Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson

Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson

(she/her/hers)

Partner

Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson

(she/her/hers)

Partner

  • Overview

    Biography

    Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson is a member of the firm's Labor, Employment, Benefits + Immigration Group as well as the Managing Committee. She focuses her practice on counseling private sector employers, ranging from startups to the Fortune 500, multi-national corporations, nonprofit health care organizations, and educational institutions to manufacturers, in all areas of employment law. She handles sensitive, high-risk personnel issues and investigations as well as compliance and training.

    Board Advisory Services

    In today’s marketplace, boards are faced with constant change and a complex governance landscape. Between the rise in public scrutiny, an increased focus on risk management, and the significant role that directors have in the talent management strategy, organizations are expected to have insightful, forward-thinking, and effective boards. As a former board chair of a multi-million dollar organization and a counselor to the boards of significantly larger organizations, Britt-Marie is well-versed in the key collective and individual responsibilities of directors and the critical need for boards to seek governance, risk, and strategy guidance. When there is an employment-related or board member-related opportunity, challenge, or crisis (or some combination thereof), she is called upon to provide sound, strategic counsel. She regularly counsels board chairs, chief executive officers and other C-Suite executives, and nominating, governance, and audit committees, on a variety of matters, including C-Suite and director transitions, the executive search and selection process, workplace investigations, and board and committee training.

    Employment Counseling, Compliance, and Training

    Britt-Marie counsels companies and human resource professionals in all areas of employment law, including discharge and discrimination issues, workplace investigations, personnel policies and handbooks, affirmative action compliance, employee discipline, wage and hour issues, disability and reasonable accommodation, family and medical leave, unemployment, employment and independent contractor agreements, severance and separation agreements, individual terminations and reductions in force, and workplace health and safety issues.

    Workplace Investigations

    Britt-Marie is a trained workplace investigator and regularly conducts, manages, and provides advice regarding workplace investigations involving all types of employment-related issues, particularly those requiring Board of Director and senior management involvement and high-profile matters. She serves as a faculty member for the Association of Workplace Investigators and frequently gives presentations on workplace investigations for Society of Human Resource Management chapters, the Association of Workplace Investigators, and other professional groups, as well as firm clients.

    Employment Litigation and Administrative Advocacy

    Britt-Marie represents employers in claims of discrimination, wrongful termination, workers' compensation retaliation, and other employment disputes and litigation, including affirmative action compliance evaluations involving the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. She also represents employers in related federal and state administrative proceedings, including discrimination claims before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, workers' compensation retaliation claims before the State of Connecticut Workers' Compensation Commission, and retaliation claims before the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & Health Administration.

    Britt-Marie was selected to the Connecticut Super Lawyers list from 2019 to 2022 and as a Rising Star in from 2013 to 2018. She has been ranked in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business in the state of Connecticut in the area of Labor & Employment as an "Associate to Watch" for 2014 and 2015, and as "Up and Coming" since 2016. Britt-Marie was ranked in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business in the State of Connecticut in the area of Labor & Employment in 2019.

    Prior to law school, Britt-Marie taught in the Atlanta Public School System as a Teach for America corps member. She interned with Judge M. Yvette Miller at the Georgia Court of Appeals and participated in Emory University School of Law's Barton Child Law and Policy Clinic.
     

  • Experience
    • Experience

      Experience

      • Assisted the Board of Directors of a national company with responding to a number of complex complaints, ranging from financial misdeeds to harassment to pay equity, including managing a team of investigators and crafting and executing a successful resolution strategy.

      • Assisted an international company in successfully launching its U.S. workforce in multiple states and cities, including drafting employment agreements and an employee handbook, and providing strategic counseling regarding employment issues, such as terminations, leaves, and restrictive covenants.

      • Conducted a sensitive workplace investigation at a national multi-billion dollar company involving a C-Suite executive.

      • Counseled the Board of Directors of a national company regarding a contentious executive transition.

      • Conducted internal investigation for Connecticut nonprofit educational institution regarding allegations of sexual misconduct by former faculty members.

      • Assisted a national multi-billion dollar publicly traded company in successfully resolving a wage and hour compliance issue involving payroll deductions and created a nationwide program and strategy to prevent future compliance problems.

      • Represented national companies in Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) compliance reviews. 

      • Prepared and reviewed many Affirmative Action Plans, compensation/pay equity analyses, and EEO-1 and VETS-4212 reports.

    • Professional Associations

      Professional Associations

      Association of Workplace Investigators
      Board of Directors (2017 - present)

      Connecticut Bar Foundation
      James W. Cooper Fellow (2016 - present)

      U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut
      Federal Grievance Committee (2016 - 2021)

      American Bar Association

      American Bar Foundation
      Fellow (2022 - Current)

      American Employment Law Council

      Connecticut Bar Association

      George W. Crawford Black Bar Association

      Human Resource Association of Central Connecticut

      Connecticut Paid Leave Authority
      Board of Directors (2022 - 2023)

      Association of Workplace Investigators
      Certificate Holder
    • Honors + Awards

      Honors + Awards

      Ranked in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business in the State of Connecticut in the area of Labor & Employment since 2019

      Hartford Business Journal 2023 "Women in Business" Honoree

      Among the 2022 recipients of the National Bar Association's “40 Under 40 Nation’s Best Advocates” award.

      Presented with the Distinguished Leader Award by the Connecticut Law Tribune, 2022

      Chosen as one of the 2022 honorees for The 100 Women of Color Gala & Awards

      Selected to the Connecticut Super Lawyers list for 2020 and 2022.

      Selected as a Rising Star in the Connecticut Super Lawyers list from 2013 to 2018.

      Selected for inclusion among the Lawyers of Color’s inaugural Nation’s Best in the Eastern Region

      Hartford Business Journal, 2018 "Forty Under 40" Inductee   

      Robinson+Cole Diversity and Inclusion Award Recipient, 2016

      Pro Bono Partnership, 2012 Volunteer of the Year

      Emory University School of Law, Dean's Public Service Award

      Recognized in the special section "Lawyers of Color: High Achievers,"Connecticut Law Tribune, 2011

      Connecticut Women's Education and Legal Fund (CWEALF), Forty Women for the Next 40 Years, Inductee

      Connecticut Law Tribune, recognized in 2014 New Leaders in the Law Yearbook

      Robinson+Cole Community Service Award Recipient, 2014

      Selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the areas of Employment Law - Individuals and Employment Law - Management for 2024. 

    • Community Involvement

      Community Involvement

      YWCA Hartford Region
      Member, Board of Directors (2011-2017 and 2019-2021)
      Past Chair, Board of Directors (2015 - 2016)
      Former Chair of Governance Committee
      Former Chair of Nominating Committee
      Event Co-chair for the 19th Annual 'In the Company of Women' Luncheon

      Oak Hill
      Board of Directors; Governance Committee Member (2020 - Current)

      Teach for America - Connecticut
      Board of Directors (2017 - Current)
      Board Chair (2022 - Current)

      Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
      Ambassador; Scholarship Committee

      Greater Hartford Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
      Chair of the Nominating Committee
      Former Corresponding Secretary (2012 - 2018)

      Loomis Chaffee Head's Council
      Member

      Greater Hartford Arts Council
      Grant Panelist (2010 - 2011)

      University of Connecticut School of Business
      Adjunct Faculty

      UCONN Health
      Board of Directors
  • NEWS + PRESS
    • Publications

      Publications

      "Governance Dashboards: A Simple, But Mighty Tool," published in The Steward, the newsletter for nonprofit clients published by Fiducient Advisors (8/19/2022)
      • » more info

        • Governance Dashboards: A Simple, But Mighty Tool

        "Governance Dashboards: A Simple, But Mighty Tool," authored by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, published in The Steward, the newsletter for nonprofit clients published by Fiducient Advisors (8/19/2022)

        The article addresses nonprofit organizations and the tools they can use “to track goals and to optimize and streamline operations and various workflows.” Particular emphasis is given to dashboards, which can be effective tracking tools that organizations can use “to focus their mission and goals and allow board members and staff to manage important items.” Read the article here. 


      "The big-ticket question: Can (or should) employers require the COVID-19 vaccine of employees in the workplace?" co-authored with Stephen W. Aronson, Abby M. Warren, Natale V. DiNatale, Kayla N. West and Emily A. Zaklukiewicz, published in ISHN (Industrial Safety & Hygiene News) (5/12/2021)

      "Taking A Shot At Answering Employers’ COVID-19 Vaccination Questions: Best Practices For Managing The COVID-19 Vaccine In The Workplace," co-authored with Stephen W. Aronson, Abby M. Warren, Kayla N. West, Emily A. Zaklukiewicz and Natale V. DiNatale, published in the Massachusetts Bar Association MBA Section Review newsletter (March/April 2021)

      "The ABCs of DEI," co-authored with Rachel V. Kushel, Abby M. Warren and Kayla N. West, published in Industry Week (3/12/2021)

      "Employer Best Practices For Diversity, Equity and Inclusion," co-authored with Abby M. Warren, Kayla N. West and Rachel V. Kushel, published in Law360 (2/11/2021)

      "One Shot to Get It Right: Navigating the COVID-19 Vaccine in the Workplace," co-authored with Abby M. Warren, Kayla N. West, Stephen W. Aronson, Emily A. Zaklukiewicz and Natale V. DiNatale, published in Construction Executive (1/6/2021)

    • Presentations

      Presentations

      "Employment Law Session," presented as part of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving’s Executive Management Institute (EMI) (5/9/2023)

      "Ethics in HR: How to Successfully Navigate Tricky Issues," co-presented with Abby M. Warren, hosted by the Human Resource Leadership Association of Eastern Connecticut (4/27/2023)
      • » more info

        • Ethics in HR: How to Successfully Navigate Tricky Issues

        "Ethics in HR: How to Successfully Navigate Tricky Issues," co-presented by Abby M. Warren and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, hosted by the Human Resource Leadership Association of Eastern Connecticut (4/27/2023)

        The program focused on laws that govern the employer/employee relationship, ethics within those relationships, and ethical principles to help employers maintain a stronger workplace.


      "Workplace Challenges and Opportunities Around Mental Health," co-presented with Abby M. Warren, as part of the the Tri-State SHRM Conference (4/24/2023)

      "Ethical Pitfalls from an Employment Law Perspective," co-presented with Abby M. Warren, as part of the Tri-State SHRM Conference (4/24/2023)

      "Making the transition to pay transparency: The legal perspective on how to share pay ranges and what to prepare for pay communications," at Compference 2022, hosted by Payscale (10/20/2022)
      • » more info

        • Making the transition to pay transparency: The legal perspective on how to share pay ranges and what to prepare for pay communications

        "Making the transition to pay transparency: The legal perspective on how to share pay ranges and what to prepare for pay communications," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, at Compference 2022, hosted by Payscale (10/20/2022)

        New legislation is forcing organizations to start publishing pay ranges as part of the job ad in certain locations, and is likely to continue to spread. The presentation addressed what this means for pay communications, how current employees might react to published pay ranges, and how management can move proactively to focus the conversation on culture, representation, and fairness.


      "Grab a Front Row Seat for a C-Suite Investigation," co-presented with Abby M. Warren, in a General Session at the 2022 Association of Workplace Investigators Annual Conference (10/13/2022)
      • » more info

        • Grab a Front Row Seat for a C-Suite Investigation

        "Grab a Front Row Seat for a C-Suite Investigation," co-presented by Abby M. Warren and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, in a General Session at the 2022 Association of Workplace Investigators Annual Conference (10/13/2022)

        Investigating the C-Suite is a high-stakes experience for any investigator, whether external or internal. When senior executives are accused of wrongdoing – discrimination, fraud, conflict of interest, bullying, or sexual misconduct – having the right investigative strategy and plan is critical and time is of the essence. Britt-Marie and Abby addressed how best to analyze the myriad of issues involved with investigating the C-Suite, including staffing, scope, and addressing the potential fallout. They are both AWI Certificate Holders; Britt-Marie also serves as an AWI faculty member.


      "Multi-State Employee Recruitment, A Pandemic Win? – Top 7 Questions Employers Ask About Remote Employees," co-presented with Abby M. Warren and Kayla N. West, an R+C-hosted webinar (9/6/2022)
      • » more info

        • Multi-State Employee Recruitment, A Pandemic Win? – Top 7 Questions Employers Ask About Remote Employees

        "Multi-State Employee Recruitment, A Pandemic Win? – Top 7 Questions Employers Ask About Remote Employees," co-presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Abby M. Warren and Kayla N. West, an R+C-hosted webinar (9/6/2022)

        Remote workforces are here to stay and employers are adjusting to the reality of stretching their geographic footprint. The presentation discussed how employers should strategize about remote work as well as the many implications, such as legal compliance issues, employee relations, business registration and tax consequences, in addition to a number of other practical concerns. Questions from attendees were encouraged.


      "Best Practices in Governance & Administration for Nonprofits," a panel discussion as part of the 2022 Fiducient Advisors Investor Conference (6/17/2022)
      • » more info

        • Best Practices in Governance & Administration for Nonprofits

        "Best Practices in Governance & Administration for Nonprofits," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, a panel discussion as part of the 2022 Fiducient Advisors Investor Conference (6/17/2022)

        The Conference featured discussions on the market, the economy, the geopolitical landscape and more. 


      "Workplace Investigations: Getting Trained to Get it Right," co-presented with Abby M. Warren, hosted by the Human Resource Association of Central Connecticut (5/24/2022)
      • » more info

        • Workplace Investigations: Getting Trained to Get it Right

        "Workplace Investigations: Getting Trained to Get it Right," co-presented by Abby M. Warren and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, hosted by the Human Resource Association of Central Connecticut (5/24/2022)

        The interactive, workshop-style presentation afforded an insider’s view of a workplace investigation and an overview of various considerations for human resources professionals conducting investigations. The program covered strategies for choosing an investigator, defining scope, interviewing, evaluating witness credibility, and report writing.


      "Ethics as an HR Leader: Fostering an Ethical and Compliance-Focused Culture," co-presented with Abby M. Warren, as part of the Tri-State SHRM Conference, a collaboration among the Society of Human Resource Management State Councils of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island (4/26/2022)
      • » more info

        • Ethics as an HR Leader: Fostering an Ethical and Compliance-Focused Culture

        "Ethics as an HR Leader: Fostering an Ethical and Compliance-Focused Culture," co-presented by Abby M. Warren and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, as part of the Tri-State SHRM Conference, a collaboration among the Society of Human Resource Management State Councils of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island (4/26/2022)

        As an HR leader, building and supporting an ethical and compliance-focused culture is critical. When companies do not act in an ethical or compliance-focused manner, the results can be devastating for the company, customers, and the public - as many recent scandals have demonstrated. This presentation reviewed recent scandals in which a lack of ethics and compliance led to reputational harm, loss of trust, financial loss, a toxic workplace culture, and ruined careers, among other poor outcomes. The discussion addressed how HR professionals can best drive ethics and compliance in the workplace. 


      "No Secrets in NYC and Beyond! What Employers Need to Know About U.S. Wage Disclosure Laws," co-presented with Natale V. DiNatale and Abby M. Warren (3/11/2022)
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        • No Secrets in NYC and Beyond! What Employers Need to Know About U.S. Wage Disclosure Laws

        "No Secrets in NYC and Beyond! What Employers Need to Know About U.S. Wage Disclosure Laws," co-presented by Natale V. DiNatale, Abby M. Warren and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson (3/11/2022)

        This webinar discussed how in recent years, legislators have renewed their focus on pay equity and efforts to close and prevent wage gaps based on gender, race, ethnicity, and other characteristics. This trend has resulted in a wave of new legislation requiring pay transparency, with several states and cities enacting laws that require employers to disclose wage ranges. 


      "As the Ball Drops: Key HR Considerations, including Connecticut’s New Employment Laws and a Special Update on I-9 Compliance for Remote Workplaces," co-presented with Lauren M. Sigg, Rachel V. Kushel and Abby M. Warren, an R+C-hosted webinar (12/13/2021)
      • » more info

        • As the Ball Drops: Key HR Considerations, including Connecticut’s New Employment Laws and a Special Update on I-9 Compliance for Remote Workplaces

        "As the Ball Drops: Key HR Considerations, including Connecticut’s New Employment Laws and a Special Update on I-9 Compliance for Remote Workplaces," co-presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Lauren M. Sigg, Rachel V. Kushel and Abby M. Warren, an R+C-hosted webinar (12/13/2021)

        As employers across Connecticut look toward the coming year and prepare their workplaces to meet the challenges and opportunities that will arise, this program focused on important legal developments that could affect Connecticut workplaces and practical tips and advice for complying with those changes. The discussion included state and federal laws, including wage disclosure obligations, recreational marijuana, and employer provisions going into effect in July 2022; Connecticut’s Family and Medical Leave Act, including paid leave; the status of the various COVID-19 vaccine mandates; and other topics. The webinar also featured a special segment on compliance with Form I-9 requirements in the remote workplace. Attendees were encouraged to submit questions.


      "Preparing for January 1, 2022 — Employer Compliance with Connecticut’s Paid Family and Medical Leave and Family and Medical Leave Laws," co-presented with Rachel V. Kushel and Abby M. Warren, as an R+C-hosted webinar (11/12/2021)
      • » more info

        • Preparing for January 1, 2022 — Employer Compliance with Connecticut’s Paid Family and Medical Leave and Family and Medical Leave Laws

        "Preparing for January 1, 2022 — Employer Compliance with Connecticut’s Paid Family and Medical Leave and Family and Medical Leave Laws," co-presented by Rachel V. Kushel, Abby M. Warren and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, as an R+C-hosted webinar (11/12/2021)

        Connecticut's Paid Family and Medical Leave Law (PFMLA) allows employees access to paid leave for life events covered under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA), the Connecticut Family and Medical Leave Act (CT FMLA) and the Connecticut Family Violence Leave Act. The program provided a timely update and reminder on how employers subject to the PFMLA and the CT FMLA will be impacted further as of January 1, 2022, when employees will begin receiving benefit payments for approved paid leave and critical changes to Connecticut’s Family and Medical Leave Act will take effect. The presentation included a discussion of the employer’s role when leave is requested, the Authority’s role in wage replacement, how these laws impact the leave process, and updating leave policies.


      "Special Briefing on OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard Mandating Vaccination for Employers with 100+ Employees," co-presented with Abby M. Warren and Rachel V. Kushel (11/4/2021)
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        • Special Briefing on OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard Mandating Vaccination for Employers with 100+ Employees

        "Special Briefing on OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard Mandating Vaccination for Employers with 100+ Employees," co-presented by Abby M. Warren, Rachel V. Kushel and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson (11/4/2021)

        On November 4, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced a new emergency temporary standard, to be published on November 5, 2021. Under this new standard, employers with 100 or more employees will be required to develop and implement a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy or an alternative, which involves requiring additional safety measures for unvaccinated employees. This special briefing addressed the preliminary highlights of the new standard, including specific issues of concern to employers, such as how to treat remote workers, whether to allow for weekly COVID-19 testing, and where to start with implementation. 


      "COVID-19-related Workplace Issues," co-presented with Virginia E. McGarrity, to an audience from the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (10/27/2021)
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        • COVID-19-related Workplace Issues

        "COVID-19-related Workplace Issues," co-presented by Virginia E. McGarrity and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, to an audience from the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (10/27/2021)

        The webinar addressed the latest COVID-19 vaccination mandate guidance, workplace privacy considerations, employee vaccination wellness programs, and strategies to leverage employee benefits to better support employees.  


      "Special Webinar for Federal Contractors – New Vaccination & Safety Protocols Mandates," co-presented with Abby M. Warren, an R+C-hosted webinar (10/15/2021)
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        • Special Webinar for Federal Contractors – New Vaccination & Safety Protocols Mandates

        "Special Webinar for Federal Contractors – New Vaccination & Safety Protocols Mandates," co-presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson and Abby M. Warren, an R+C-hosted webinar (10/15/2021)

        In October 2021, President Biden and the White House’s Safer Federal Workforce Task Force announced new COVID-19 requirements applicable to contractors and subcontractors doing business with the federal government, including mandatory workforce vaccination and COVID-19 safety protocols. In light of this announcement, federal contractors must determine whether and when they will be required to comply with these new protocols, which include vaccination, face masks, social distancing, and various other workplace safety measures. Which contractors are covered? What are the new mandates? When will contractors be required to comply with the new mandates? How can contractors implement a lawful mandatory vaccination program? What records and documentation should be maintained to show compliance with the new mandates? This program addressed these and other important questions, including the key provisions in the order and guidance and the best practices contractors should consider following.


      "Wage Range Disclosure Mandate Coming to Employers in Connecticut on October 1," co-presented with Abby M. Warren, hosted by Robinson+Cole (9/22/2021)
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        • Wage Range Disclosure Mandate Coming to Employers in Connecticut on October 1

        "Wage Range Disclosure Mandate Coming to Employers in Connecticut on October 1," co-presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson and Abby M. Warren, hosted by Robinson+Cole (9/22/2021)

        The webinar addressed the new legal obligations for employers under the new “Act Concerning the Disclosure of Salary Range for a Vacant Position” and how wage disclosures could impact the employer-employee relationship and any pay equity compliance efforts. Effective October 1, 2021, Connecticut employers will be required to disclose wage ranges for vacant positions upon offer of employment, request, and/or promotion, pursuant to an amendment of existing laws concerning salary history and equal pay. With this Act, Connecticut joins other states, including California, Colorado, Maryland, and Washington, which already have imposed similar disclosure obligations on employers.


      "Considering Workplace Vaccine Programs: Mandatory, Voluntary, and Everything In Between," co-presented with Abby M. Warren, an R+C-hosted webinar. (9/17/2021)
      • » more info

        • Considering Workplace Vaccine Programs: Mandatory, Voluntary, and Everything In Between

        "Considering Workplace Vaccine Programs: Mandatory, Voluntary, and Everything In Between," co-presented by Abby M. Warren and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, an R+C-hosted webinar. (9/17/2021)

        This roundtable discussion focused on issues employers might face and the range of possibilities to be considered when developing a workplace vaccine program. The discussion made clear that what employers eventually determine will depend on a number of factors, including each one’s specific business needs, legal risks, various industry norms, vendor/client requirements, and workforce compliance and vaccination rates.


      "Summer Brings Road Trips, Rest and Relaxed Rules: Updates on Federal, State and Local Guidance/Laws on Travel, Masks, and Social Distancing," co-presented with Rachel V. Kushel and Abby M. Warren, hosted by the Connecticut Community Nonprofit Alliance (7/15/2021)

      "With Daffodils and April Showers Come Key HR Considerations: Top Questions Employers Are Asking During Spring 2021," co-presented with Abby M. Warren, Alisha N. Sullivan and Rachel V. Kushel, an R+C-hosted webinar (4/22/2021)
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        • With Daffodils and April Showers Come Key HR Considerations: Top Questions Employers Are Asking During Spring 2021

        "With Daffodils and April Showers Come Key HR Considerations: Top Questions Employers Are Asking During Spring 2021," co-presented by Abby M. Warren, Alisha N. Sullivan, Rachel V. Kushel and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, an R+C-hosted webinar (4/22/2021)

        Spring is officially here and workplaces across the country are facing new opportunities and challenges. One of the most significant changes is the nationwide distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. With this development, state and federal governments are beginning to make changes to their rules and guidance around workplace safety, travel and remote work policies, and their outlook and predictions for the year. This program reviewed a number of key questions employers are asking, including those concerning vaccination programs and policies, best practices around reopening the workplace from both a legal and employee relations perspective, and changes to employee leave available under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the federal COBRA subsidy.


      "Ringing in 2021 & Maintaining a Happy and Healthy Workplace During the Pandemic," co-presented with Abby M. Warren and Rachel V. Kushel (1/15/2021)
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        • Ringing in 2021 & Maintaining a Happy and Healthy Workplace During the Pandemic

        "Ringing in 2021 & Maintaining a Happy and Healthy Workplace During the Pandemic," co-presented by Abby M. Warren, Rachel V. Kushel and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson (1/15/2021)

        Labor and Employment Group members Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, Rachel Kushel and Abby Warren presented the Robinson+Cole-hosted webinar, "Ringing in 2021 & Maintaining a Happy and Healthy Workplace During the Pandemic," on January 15, 2021. With the recently-authorized COVID-19 vaccinations, the newly-released federal stimulus package, and ever-evolving CDC and state guidelines, employers continue to grapple with the operational issues related to COVID-19. The program looked back on a year that created significant changes and challenges for employers across the country and explored five key COVID-19-related questions they face as we enter the new year, including whether to mandate or encourage employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and what are the best practices for updating return-to-work policies amid changes in state and federal government guidance. Questions from attendees were encouraged.


      "Employment Law in the Next Administration & Reshaped Supreme Court," the Connecticut Business and Industry Association’s Employment Law Conference. (11/13/2020)
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        • Employment Law in the Next Administration & Reshaped Supreme Court

        "Employment Law in the Next Administration & Reshaped Supreme Court," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, the Connecticut Business and Industry Association’s Employment Law Conference. (11/13/2020)

        Labor and Employment Group member, Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, presented the webinar program, "Employment Law in the Next Administration & Reshaped Supreme Court" during the Connecticut Business and Industry Association’s Employment Law Conference on November 13, 2020. The program highlighted workplace policy issues currently in the spotlight and those waiting in the wings of the White House, federal agencies, Congress, and the federal courts.


      "The Next Chapter of COVID-19: How Employers Can Remain Vigilant About COVID-19 This Fall," co-presented with Rachel V. Kushel and Abby M. Warren (11/12/2020)
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        • The Next Chapter of COVID-19: How Employers Can Remain Vigilant About COVID-19 This Fall

        "The Next Chapter of COVID-19: How Employers Can Remain Vigilant About COVID-19 This Fall," co-presented by Rachel V. Kushel, Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson and Abby M. Warren (11/12/2020)

        Labor and Employment Group members Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, Rachel Kushel and Abby Warren presented the webinar "The Next Chapter of COVID-19: How Employers Can Remain Vigilant About COVID-19 This Fall" on November 12, 2020. 

        Throughout 2020, employers have seen many changes to their legal obligations and the ways in which they operate their workplaces as a result of COVID-19. With the holidays approaching, and with COVID-19 cases spiking across the country, employers continue to grapple with the operational issues and challenges related to COVID-19. As we enter the holiday season, it is critical that employers remain vigilant about preventing the spread of COVID-19 in their workplaces. The program explored six important questions that employers are posing about the next chapter of COVID-19, ranging from employee travel and vaccinations to COVID-19 testing and additional strategies for protecting against COVID-19 in the workplace. There was also discussion of significant new changes in the law since spring. Questions from attendees were encouraged.


      "Investigating Workplace Safety Concerns in the Age of a Pandemic," co-presented with Abby M. Warren, during the Association of Workplace Investigators 2020 Annual Conference. (11/5/2020)
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        • Investigating Workplace Safety Concerns in the Age of a Pandemic

        "Investigating Workplace Safety Concerns in the Age of a Pandemic," co-presented by Abby M. Warren and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, during the Association of Workplace Investigators 2020 Annual Conference. (11/5/2020)

        Labor and Employment Group members Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson and Abby Warren presented the breakout session, "Investigating Workplace Safety Concerns in the Age of a Pandemic," on November 5, 2020, during the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) 2020 Annual Conference. The virtual program walked through the resources investigators can rely on to understand the public health guidelines as well as what types of information to request from employers. Attendees reviewed several hypotheticals to gain a stronger understanding of how best to prepare for and structure a workplace investigation involving a safety complaint. The session also offered the chance to ask questions and discuss how to handle difficult situations, such as when an employer might have issued conflicting or incorrect guidance to employees. Britt-Marie currently serves on AWI’s Board of Directors.


      "Part II: Connecticut’s Paid Family Medical Leave Act: A Conversation with Andrea Barton Reeves," co-presented with Natale V. DiNatale, as moderators during an R+C-hosted webinar. (10/21/2020)
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        • Part II: Connecticut’s Paid Family Medical Leave Act: A Conversation with Andrea Barton Reeves

        "Part II: Connecticut’s Paid Family Medical Leave Act: A Conversation with Andrea Barton Reeves," co-presented by Natale V. DiNatale and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, as moderators during an R+C-hosted webinar. (10/21/2020)

        Labor and Employment Group members Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson and Natale DiNatale moderated the R+C-hosted webinar, "Part II: Connecticut’s Paid Family Medical Leave Act: A Conversation with Andrea Barton Reeves," on October 21, 2020. Reeves is the CEO of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Authority. She offered her insights and answered attendees’ questions about the progress of the statewide implementation of Connecticut’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Law and the launch of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Authority. Topics included what employers need to know about the approval procedures for private plans, employer registration with the Authority, and how best to prepare for implementation, including the process being developed for addressing employer questions as they arise both during and after implementation. In a Q&A session following the presentation, Britt-Marie and Natale answered attendees’ questions regarding this new employment law.


      "Race and Investigations," at the Colorado Bar Association (CBA) Continuing Legal Education 2020 Employment Law Conference. (10/6/2020)
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        • Race and Investigations

        "Race and Investigations," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, at the Colorado Bar Association (CBA) Continuing Legal Education 2020 Employment Law Conference. (10/6/2020)

        Labor and Employment Group member Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson presented the topic, "Race and Investigations" with Elizabeth Rita of Investigations Law Group, LLC on October 6, 2020, at the Colorado Bar Association (CBA) Continuing Legal Education 2020 Employment Law Conference. The conference examined and discussed specific employment law updates for the COVID-19 world and other current events. Britt-Marie’s program was co-sponsored by the M&A Subsection of the CBA Business Law Section.


      "Getting Back To Work: Key Legal and Regulatory Considerations as your Employees get Back to the Office," co-presented with Rachel V. Kushel and Abby M. Warren, during Stamford Innovation Week 2020. Robinson+Cole was pleased to sponsor this event. (9/24/2020)
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        • Getting Back To Work: Key Legal and Regulatory Considerations as your Employees get Back to the Office

        "Getting Back To Work: Key Legal and Regulatory Considerations as your Employees get Back to the Office," co-presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Rachel V. Kushel and Abby M. Warren, during Stamford Innovation Week 2020. Robinson+Cole was pleased to sponsor this event. (9/24/2020)

        Labor and Employment Group members Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, Rachel Kushel and Abby Warren presented "Getting Back To Work: Key Legal and Regulatory Considerations as your Employees get Back to the Office" on September 24, 2020 during Stamford Innovation Week 2020. As employees return to the physical workplace during this unprecedented pandemic, there are numerous considerations that employers must keep in mind. The program offered legal and practical advice focused on the high-risk issues that should be on employers’ radar from both legal and employee relations perspectives, including strategies that employers can use both proactively and reactively, and how to identify the areas that have the potential to create substantial risk related to leave and accommodation requests, health and safety, and others issues. This virtual event celebrating innovation, technology and entrepreneurship featured a number of speakers, panels, and networking opportunities. Robinson+Cole was pleased to sponsor this event.


      "Insights Into Developing Business in the Era of COVID-19," co-presented with Steven L. Elbaum, as panelists during the moderated Associate Lunch & Learn virtual program. (8/27/2020)
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        • Insights Into Developing Business in the Era of COVID-19

        "Insights Into Developing Business in the Era of COVID-19," co-presented by Steven L. Elbaum and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, as panelists during the moderated Associate Lunch & Learn virtual program. (8/27/2020)

        Insurance + Reinsurance Group members Gabrielle Mercadante and Max Daley moderated the R+C Associate Lunch & Learn virtual program “Insights Into Developing Business in the Era of COVID-19” on August 27, 2020. During the current health crisis, how are attorneys staying in touch with contacts, maintaining and growing their practices, and attracting new clients? Is there a “pandemic playbook” for developing business? Real Estate + Development Group member Steve Elbaum and Labor and Employment Group member Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson discussed these questions and other important topics related to business development opportunities and challenges, sharing strategies they have employed recently, their business development successes over the last few months, and tips for associates in their business development endeavors.


      "Back to School?…for Employers and HR!," co-presented with Rachel V. Kushel and Abby M. Warren, a Robinson+Cole-hosted webinar. (8/25/2020)
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        • Back to School?…for Employers and HR!

        "Back to School?…for Employers and HR!," co-presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Rachel V. Kushel and Abby M. Warren, a Robinson+Cole-hosted webinar. (8/25/2020)

        Labor and Employment Group lawyers Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, Rachel Kushel and Abby Warren presented the R+C-hosted webinar, "Back to School?…for Employers and HR!" on August 25, 2020. As students and parents get ready to head back to school soon amid the COVID-19 pandemic, how should employers prepare for the impact that school reopenings may have on their workplace? 

        Schools and communities across the country are grappling with the difficult decisions surrounding reopening in the fall, and these decisions will have a far-reaching impact outside the classroom. Employers must plan for the many operational issues and challenges that can occur when parents, guardians, and caregivers are unable to work, unable to work on-site, or require accommodations in order to continue working. It is critical that employers take into account the legal implications as well as employee relations and other practical considerations as they respond to these issues. This program explored seven important questions that employers are posing related to the “return to school” and its impact on operations, ranging from leave and accommodations to performance reviews.


      "A Discussion on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the AEC Industry," the second in the three-part series, “Addressing Bias and Equity in the AEC Industry,” focused on bias, racism and inequality in the inter-connected architecture, engineering and construction industries. (8/19/2020)
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        • A Discussion on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the AEC Industry

        "A Discussion on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the AEC Industry," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, the second in the three-part series, “Addressing Bias and Equity in the AEC Industry,” focused on bias, racism and inequality in the inter-connected architecture, engineering and construction industries. (8/19/2020)

        Labor and Employment Group member Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson co-presented the program "A Discussion on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the AEC Industry”on August 19, 2020. The moderated panel discussion was the second in the three-part series of important and timely presentations, “Addressing Bias and Equity in the AEC Industry,” which is focused on bias, racism and inequality in the inter-connected architecture, engineering and construction industries. Britt-Marie began the interactive session with a brief overview of unconscious bias. Robinson+Cole was pleased to sponsor the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion series, hosted by AIA CT’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and supported by AIA CT's Women in Architecture Committee and NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects) CT. The series concluded with part three on September 16, 2020.


      "The Trifecta of Paid Family and Medical Leave: CT, MA, and RI," co-presented with Abby M. Warren, at the Tri-State SHRM Conference. (8/10/2020)
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        • The Trifecta of Paid Family and Medical Leave: CT, MA, and RI

        "The Trifecta of Paid Family and Medical Leave: CT, MA, and RI," co-presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson and Abby M. Warren, at the Tri-State SHRM Conference. (8/10/2020)

        Labor and Employment Group members Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson and Abby Warren presented "The Trifecta of Paid Family and Medical Leave: CT, MA, and RI" at the Tri-State SHRM Conference on August 10, 2020. Employers in the three states must be prepared to offer paid family and medical leave benefits under new laws. The virtual program discussed the different requirements in each state and offered attendees insights into how employers can prepare to implement these mandatory benefits for employees as well as how to resolve conflicts between these new laws and existing benefits offerings.


      "If I Could Turn Back Time... Getting Workplace Harassment Investigations Right," co-presented with Rachel V. Kushel, at the Tri-State SHRM Conference. (8/10/2020)
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        • If I Could Turn Back Time... Getting Workplace Harassment Investigations Right

        "If I Could Turn Back Time... Getting Workplace Harassment Investigations Right," co-presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson and Rachel V. Kushel, at the Tri-State SHRM Conference. (8/10/2020)

        Labor and Employment Group members Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson and Rachel Kushel presented the virtual program “If I Could Turn Back Time... Getting Workplace Harassment Investigations Right” at the Tri-State SHRM Conference on August 10, 2020. As instances and allegations of harassment at work surface nationwide with increasing regularity, it is critical that employers large and small from private industry, public institutions or government agencies understand when and how to conduct workplace investigations. This program afforded attendees the chance to experience the initial stages of a hypothetical workplace problem that could give rise to an investigation and to practice how best to respond to harassment allegations, including identifying key issues and creating a plan of action to investigate and resolve complaints.


      "Diversity and Inclusion at Work: A Practical and Compliance-Focused View," sponsored by the Diversity Law Committee of the Fairfield County Bar Association. (7/13/2020)
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        • Diversity and Inclusion at Work: A Practical and Compliance-Focused View

        "Diversity and Inclusion at Work: A Practical and Compliance-Focused View," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, sponsored by the Diversity Law Committee of the Fairfield County Bar Association. (7/13/2020)

        Labor + Employment Group member Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson presented “Diversity and Inclusion at Work: A Practical and Compliance-Focused View” on July 13, 2020. The live Zoom seminar was sponsored by the Diversity Law Committee of the Fairfield County Bar Association and qualified for diversity CLE credits. Topics included:

        • Getting it Right at the Start – Recruitment and Hiring
        • Compliance – Thinking about Employment Policies and Workplace Culture
        • Diversity and Inclusion Training and Best Practices – Planning for Success and Creating an Anti-Bias Culture

      "COVID-19 and Returning to Campus: Liability Concerns for Educational Institutions," co-presented with Kathleen E. Dion, which addressed important topics that educational institutions, including universities and independent schools, should consider when deciding how to open their campuses, including recent guidance from the CDC as well as state and local governments. (6/30/2020)
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        • COVID-19 and Returning to Campus: Liability Concerns for Educational Institutions

        "COVID-19 and Returning to Campus: Liability Concerns for Educational Institutions," co-presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson and Kathleen E. Dion, which addressed important topics that educational institutions, including universities and independent schools, should consider when deciding how to open their campuses, including recent guidance from the CDC as well as state and local governments. (6/30/2020)

        Labor and Employment Group member, Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, and Education Industry Team Chair, Kate Dion, co-presented the webinar “COVID-19 and Returning to Campus: Liability Concerns for Educational Institutions” on June 30, 2020. The program addressed important topics that educational institutions, including universities and independent schools, should consider when deciding how to open their campuses, including recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control as well as state and local governments.


      "The New Approach to Transactional & Succession Planning for Energy Companies," co-presented with Brian C. Freeman and Earl W. Phillips Jr. (6/25/2020)
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        • The New Approach to Transactional & Succession Planning for Energy Companies

        "The New Approach to Transactional & Succession Planning for Energy Companies," co-presented by Brian C. Freeman, Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson and Earl W. Phillips Jr. (6/25/2020)

        Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group members Brian Freeman and Earl Phillips, Jr. and Labor, Employment, Benefits + Immigration Group member Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson participated as panelists for the webinar "The New Approach to Transactional & Succession Planning for Energy Companies," hosted by Gray, Gray & Gray Federated Insurance and R+C on June 25, 2020. The coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent economic disruption has had a broad impact across all industries, including energy marketers. A future that was already filled with challenges has become even murkier and less stable. The impact extends to a key management component for many fuel oil and propane retailers: transactional and succession planning. Panelists provided advice and guidance on these issues and addressed questions including: How can you plan for a future that is unpredictable? What effect will the financial crisis have on business transition to the next generation, to employees or to an outside party? How should you account for pressing environmental demands? How will you finance the transition? Are there alternatives that should be considered?


      "Racism and Your Small Business: Let’s Talk About It," a three-part series launched by the Women's Business Development Council. The series provided resources and offered guidance to help small businesses shape their messaging and develop an action plan to build a culture of inclusion in their organizations. (6/24/2020)
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        • Racism and Your Small Business: Let’s Talk About It

        "Racism and Your Small Business: Let’s Talk About It," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, a three-part series launched by the Women's Business Development Council. The series provided resources and offered guidance to help small businesses shape their messaging and develop an action plan to build a culture of inclusion in their organizations. (6/24/2020)

        Labor and Employment Group member Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson was a panelist for the three-part webinar series, “Racism and Your Small Business: Let’s Talk About It,” launched by the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC). The three sessions were presented on June 10, June 17 and June 24, 2020. Britt-Marie was joined on the panel by Robin Imbrogno, President, The Human Resource Consulting Group, and Joelle A. Murchison, Executive Director, Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity. The discussions were moderated by Fran Pastore, CEO of WBDC, with the objective of offering a forum for dialogue focused on how small business owners have been impacted by recent events, including the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and others.

        The series provided resources and offered guidance that can help small businesses shape their messaging and develop an action plan to build a culture of inclusion in their organizations and beyond. The panelists examined the perspective of small business owners in discussing what has been happening in their business communities as a result of the recent events and the resulting unrest and social climate, what resources small business owners have to help them respond, and what messages, if any, have businesses shared with their employees and/or clients.


      "Getting Back To Work During COVID-19: Top Legal HR Considerations for Employers," co-presented with Abby M. Warren and Rachel V. Kushel, which reviewed seven important questions many employers are asking when it comes to implementing a return-to-work-plan. (6/18/2020)
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        • Getting Back To Work During COVID-19: Top Legal HR Considerations for Employers

        "Getting Back To Work During COVID-19: Top Legal HR Considerations for Employers," co-presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Abby M. Warren and Rachel V. Kushel, which reviewed seven important questions many employers are asking when it comes to implementing a return-to-work-plan. (6/18/2020)

        Labor and Employment Group members Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, Rachel Kushel, and Abby Warren presented the Human Resource Association of Central Connecticut's webinar, "Getting Back To Work During COVID-19: Top Legal HR Considerations for Employers," on June 18, 2020. The program reviewed seven important questions many employers are asking when it comes to implementing a return to work plan, ranging from changing the structure and operations of the workplace to deciding who, when, and how employees can safely return to work. The interactive session solicited questions from attendees to help to address the many HR legal issues this timely topic touched on.


      "Strategize Your Return to The Workplace," which focused on helping employers make sense of this unprecedented situation as they prepare to safely reopen and what to expect as they coordinate COVID-19 test data and track any employee symptoms. (6/10/2020)
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        • Strategize Your Return to The Workplace

        "Strategize Your Return to The Workplace," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, which focused on helping employers make sense of this unprecedented situation as they prepare to safely reopen and what to expect as they coordinate COVID-19 test data and track any employee symptoms. (6/10/2020)

        Labor and Employment Group partner Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, along with thought leaders from the healthtech and medical fields, took part in the webinar "Strategize Your Return to The Workplace," presented by RxMx on June 10, 2020. The discussion focused on helping employers make sense of this unprecedented situation as they prepare to safely reopen and what to expect as they coordinate COVID-19 test data and track any employee symptoms, while also being mindful of privacy expectations.


      "Paid Leave Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act," Session 2 of the Women’s Business Development Council’s Virtual Roundtable Series: Paid Family and Medical Leave and What it Means for your Business, hosted by Connecticut Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. (6/5/2020)
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        • Paid Leave Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

        "Paid Leave Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Session 2 of the Women’s Business Development Council’s Virtual Roundtable Series: Paid Family and Medical Leave and What it Means for your Business, hosted by Connecticut Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. (6/5/2020)

        Labor and Employment Group member Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson served as a panelist for “Paid Leave Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act," which was Session 2 of the Women’s Business Development Council’s Virtual Roundtable Series: Paid Family and Medical Leave and What it Means for your Business, hosted by Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz on June 5, 2020. Britt-Marie and other panelists, including Andrea Barton Reeves, Chief Executive Officer, CT Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Authority, and Meghan Henson, Chief Human Resources Office, XPO Logistics, Inc., examined the provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which went into effect on April 2, 2020 and generally impacts private-sector employers with fewer than 500 employees.

        As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) swept the nation, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Act) was approved by Congress and signed into law on March 18, 2020 in an attempt to respond to myriad economic and other challenges faced by the United States during this global pandemic. Several of the Act's provisions affect employers navigating the unstable business landscape as well as their employees, who are also impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. The Act, in part, implements changes to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, which establishes a federal emergency paid leave benefits program to provide payments to employees taking unpaid leave due to the COVID-19 outbreak, requires employers to provide paid sick time leave, permits tax credits for amounts paid to employees on leave, and allows for additional funding to state unemployment insurance trust funds. To read the R+C Legal Update "Paid Sick and Family Leave Legislation in Response to Coronavirus," click here. 

        Founded in 1997 as a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization, the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is one of more than 120 Small Business Administration-supported women’s business centers nationwide. WBDC helps its clients increase productivity, maximize preparation, produce earnings, and continue to achieve their personal and professional business dreams.


      "Paid Family and Medical Leave and What it Means for Your Business," which examined the provisions to the Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave Program that goes into effect in January 2021 and impacts all businesses with one or more employees. (6/3/2020)
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        • Paid Family and Medical Leave and What it Means for Your Business

        "Paid Family and Medical Leave and What it Means for Your Business," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, which examined the provisions to the Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave Program that goes into effect in January 2021 and impacts all businesses with one or more employees. (6/3/2020)

        Labor and Employment Group member Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson served as a panelist for the Women's Business Development Council's Virtual Roundtable Series: Paid Family and Medical Leave and What it Means for Your Business, which was hosted by Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz on June 3, 2020. Britt-Marie and other panelists, including Andrea Barton Reeves, Chief Executive Officer, CT Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Authority, and Meghan Henson, Chief Human Resources Office, XPO Logistics, Inc., examined the provisions to the Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave Program, which goes into effect in January 2021 and impacts all businesses with one or more employees. On June 25, 2019, Governor Lamont signed into law “An Act Concerning Paid Family and Medical Leave” (CPFML). Public Act No. 19-25. The Act contains new language that is intended to supplement, not to replace, the Connecticut Family and Medical Leave Act (CFMLA). The CFMLA, although significantly amended by Public Act No. 19-25, remains intact. As a result, the new law provides for both paid family and medical leave and unpaid family and medical leave. To read the Legal Update "Major Shift in Connecticut’s Leave Landscape: What Employers Need to Know About the New Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave Law," click here. To see a Facebook Live video of this webinar, click here. 

        Founded in 1997 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is one of over 120 Small Business Administration-supported women’s business centers nationwide. WBDC helps its clients increase productivity, maximize preparation, produce earnings, and continue to achieve their personal and professional business dreams.


      "A Deep Dive for HR Professionals Administering Leave Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act: What Employers Need to Know," co-presented with Abby M. Warren and Rachel V. Kushel, which offered a close look at the FFCRA and the various nuances employers should be aware of. (5/29/2020)
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        • A Deep Dive for HR Professionals Administering Leave Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act: What Employers Need to Know

        "A Deep Dive for HR Professionals Administering Leave Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act: What Employers Need to Know," co-presented by Abby M. Warren, Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson and Rachel V. Kushel, which offered a close look at the FFCRA and the various nuances employers should be aware of. (5/29/2020)

        Labor and Employment Group members Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, Rachel Kushel and Abby Warren presented the webinar "A Deep Dive for HR Professionals Administering Leave Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act: What Employers Need to Know" on May 29, 2020. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to sweep the nation, employers have an additional compliance obligation related to the implementation and administration of the leave provisions under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

         

        Since the FFCRA became law on March 18, 2020, the government has continued to release a myriad of guidance on the proper implementation of the FFCRA, which makes leave available through December 31, 2020. This webinar offered a close look at the FFCRA and the various nuances employers should be aware of, from determining whether and when an employee may use other paid leave in conjunction with the FFCRA to calculating an employee’s pay while on leave and understanding the applicable record-keeping obligations.


      "Re-Opening Your Workplace During COVID-19: Top HR Considerations for Employers," co-presented with Abby M. Warren and Rachel V. Kushel, as a webinar hosted by Robinson+Cole. (4/24/2020)
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        • Re-Opening Your Workplace During COVID-19: Top HR Considerations for Employers

        "Re-Opening Your Workplace During COVID-19: Top HR Considerations for Employers," co-presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Abby M. Warren and Rachel V. Kushel, as a webinar hosted by Robinson+Cole. (4/24/2020)

        Labor and Employment Group lawyers Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, Rachel Kushel and Abby Warren presented the R+C-hosted webinar "Re-Opening Your Workplace During COVID-19: Top HR Considerations for Employers" on April 24, 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented nation-wide business closures. As state and local governments across the U.S. contemplate lifting shut-down orders and re-opening businesses, employers should plan for re-opening their workplaces and returning their employees to work. Inevitably, workplaces will operate differently post-COVID-19, and there are many considerations that employers must take into account. The program reviewed seven important questions employers are asking concerning the implementation of a return to work plan, ranging from changing the structure and operations of the workplace to deciding who, when and how employees return to work. Questions from attendees were encouraged.


      "Understanding Federal and State Support for Nonprofits During the Covid-19 Crisis," presented at Fairfield County's Community Foundation's teleconference. (4/9/2020)
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        • Understanding Federal and State Support for Nonprofits During the Covid-19 Crisis

        "Understanding Federal and State Support for Nonprofits During the Covid-19 Crisis," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, presented at Fairfield County's Community Foundation's teleconference. (4/9/2020)

        On April 9, 2020, Labor and Employment Group member Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson participated in Fairfield County’s Community Foundation’s teleconference, "Understanding Federal and State Support for Nonprofits During the Covid-19 Crisis," alongside U.S. Representative Jim Himes (CT-04); Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Deputy Commissioner, Glendowlyn Thames; and Chair of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Management Recovery/Immediate Needs Subgroup, Lisa Tepper Bates. The speakers shared information about how organizations can take advantage of the available federal and state support programs that are available to sustain nonprofits and employees through the coronavirus crisis.


      "COVID-19 Pandemic: The Workplace Now and in 30 Days," co-presented with Abby M. Warren and Rachel V. Kushel, presented as part of the Clear Law Institute's "Meeting Unprecedented Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic 2.0" series. (4/2/2020)
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        • COVID-19 Pandemic: The Workplace Now and in 30 Days

        "COVID-19 Pandemic: The Workplace Now and in 30 Days," co-presented by Abby M. Warren, Rachel V. Kushel and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, presented as part of the Clear Law Institute's "Meeting Unprecedented Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic 2.0" series. (4/2/2020)

        Labor and Employment Group lawyers Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, Rachel Kushel and Abby Warren presented the webinar program "COVID-19 Pandemic: The Workplace Now and in 30 Days" on April 2, 2020. The program was part of the Clear Law Institute's "Meeting Unprecedented Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic 2.0" series.

         

        The webinar discussed the “Top Seven Questions” that many employers are asking, which range from wage payment and benefits during periods of quarantine to the permissibility of taking employee temperatures and allowing “work from home” arrangements. They were intended to equip employers to address issues such as effectively managing their workplace and business operations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, identifying which laws and guidelines apply to employee issues likely to arise due to the pandemic, and determining how wage payments, leave, and other employee benefits will be impacted.


      "COVID-19 Pandemic: The Workplace Now and in 30 Days," co-presented with Rachel V. Kushel and Abby M. Warren, presented to three online audiences in March 2020. (3/26/2020)
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        • COVID-19 Pandemic: The Workplace Now and in 30 Days

        "COVID-19 Pandemic: The Workplace Now and in 30 Days," co-presented by Rachel V. Kushel, Abby M. Warren and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, presented to three online audiences in March 2020. (3/26/2020)

        Labor and Employment Group lawyers Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, Rachel Kushel and Abby Warren presented the webinar program "COVID-19 Pandemic: The Workplace Now and in 30 Days" on three occasions in March. The first program, on March 19, 2020, was hosted by Robinson+Cole; the second was presented on March 25th to the Human Resources Association of Central Connecticut; and the third presentation was made to the CT Society of CPAs on March 26th.

         

        The webinars discussed the “Top Seven Questions” that many employers are asking, which range from wage payment and benefits during periods of quarantine to the permissibility of taking employee temperatures and allowing “work from home” arrangements. They were intended to equip employers to address issues such as effectively managing their workplace and business operations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, identifying which laws and guidelines apply to employee issues likely to arise due to the pandemic, and determining how wage payments, leave, and other employee benefits will be impacted.


      "The ADA and Workplace Accommodations," presented as a webinar for the Clear Law Institute (10/31/2019)
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        • The ADA and Workplace Accommodations

        "The ADA and Workplace Accommodations," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, presented as a webinar for the Clear Law Institute (10/31/2019)

        Labor and Employment Group Partner Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson presented the webinar "The ADA and Workplace Accommodations" for the Clear Law Institute on October 31, 2019. With Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance failures both commonplace and costly, the presentation discussed how to manage ADA accommodations requests, improve compliance efforts, and avoid legal pitfalls. Some key topics included complying with the interactive process mandate, employee rights under the ADA, how to initiate and implement the interactive process, and what exactly is considered a reasonable accommodation. Recent case law and lessons learned were specifically highlighted to illustrate the discussion. To learn more about the Clear Law Institute, click here.  


      "Retaliation-Proofing Your Investigation," co-presented with Abby M. Warren, presented at the Association of Workplace Investigators 2019 Annual Conference. (9/27/2019)
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        • Retaliation-Proofing Your Investigation

        "Retaliation-Proofing Your Investigation," co-presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson and Abby M. Warren, presented at the Association of Workplace Investigators 2019 Annual Conference. (9/27/2019)

        Labor + Employment Group lawyers Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson and Abby M. Warren co-presented the breakout session "Retaliation-Proofing Your Investigation" at the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) 2019 Annual Conference in Marina Del Rey, California on September 27, 2019. 

        Their presentation focused on retaliation, the many forms it can take, and strategies for preserving the integrity of a workplace investigation in such circumstances. It addressed specific questions such as, What happens when a witness conducts her own side investigation? What about when a supervisor says to a witness before his interview, “I'd really appreciate it if you support me in this investigation.”? What about direct retaliation? If the conduct has happened before or during the investigation, how can the investigator preserve the integrity of the investigation? The attendees responded to a number of hypothetical scenarios and there was lively group discussion revolving around retaliation issues in the workplace.  

        Britt-Marie is a member of AWI’s Board of Directors and began serving a second two-year term on September 26, 2019. The Association’s mission is to promote and enhance the quality of impartial workplace investigations.


      "Pitfalls v. Benefits of Using Social Media in the Hiring Process," presented at the 2019 HR Professional Development Summit & Law Symposium. (9/19/2019)
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        • Pitfalls v. Benefits of Using Social Media in the Hiring Process

        "Pitfalls v. Benefits of Using Social Media in the Hiring Process," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, presented at the 2019 HR Professional Development Summit & Law Symposium. (9/19/2019)

        Labor + Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson presented at the 2019 HR Professional Development Summit & Law Symposium at the University of Connecticut in Stamford, Connecticut on September 19, 2019. Britt-Marie presented the program "Pitfalls v. Benefits of Using Social Media in the Hiring Process." Attendees engaged in lively discussions and shared their knowledge and input on this important HR topic.

        The two-day summit was hosted by the Southern Connecticut Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and attracted HR practitioners at all levels from throughout the Fairfield County and New York metro areas. The event included an array of HR topics focused on emerging trends and ideas, best practices, relevant approaches to HR management, and workplace law.  The Southern Connecticut Chapter of SHRM promotes thought leadership and the professionalism of the Human Resource Management field by offering members a wide variety of professional development opportunities and a common forum in which to share ideas, experiences and best practices.
         


      "Your Top 11 Employment Law Questions Answered," for attorneys, HR managers, CFOs and other management professionals in Waterbury, CT (4/1/2019)

      "High-Risk Workplace Investigations," panelist for CLE program presented by the Massachusetts Bar Association in Boston, Massachusetts (1/8/2019)
      • » more info

        • High-Risk Workplace Investigations

        "High-Risk Workplace Investigations," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, panelist for CLE program presented by the Massachusetts Bar Association in Boston, Massachusetts (1/8/2019)

        Sponsored by the Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA) Health Law Section, the CLE program offered a brief but substantive look at the risky terrain faced by health care employers when conducting a workplace investigation.


      "ADA Performance & Conduct Standards," presented during the Connecticut Business & Industry Association’s (CBIA) 2018 Employment Law Conference in Farmington, Connecticut (11/15/2018)
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        • ADA Performance & Conduct Standards

        "ADA Performance & Conduct Standards," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, presented during the Connecticut Business & Industry Association’s (CBIA) 2018 Employment Law Conference in Farmington, Connecticut (11/15/2018)

        Britt-Marie addressed the possibility of an individual’s disability being a contributing factor to performance, conduct, or safety concerns. She also covered evaluating the defensibility of performance standards, whether accommodation may be required, the process for identifying and exploring possible accommodations, and how performance standards might be impacted.


      "No Ghosting Allowed: Perfecting the Art of Effective Communications with Employees During Investigations," co-presented with Abby M. Warren, during the the 2018 Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) Annual Conference in Burlingame, California (10/12/2018)
      • » more info

        • No Ghosting Allowed: Perfecting the Art of Effective Communications with Employees During Investigations

        "No Ghosting Allowed: Perfecting the Art of Effective Communications with Employees During Investigations," co-presented by Abby M. Warren and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, during the the 2018 Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) Annual Conference in Burlingame, California (10/12/2018)

        The session explored the human resources and employee relations side of strong employee communications during an investigation as well as the legal issues and associated risks involved. Britt-Marie and Abby covered the types of communications that are typically made and how such communications can be tailored based on the workplace and the investigation, the balance that must be achieved between transparency and confidentiality during an investigation, how to handle employee questions and concerns, and techniques for handling leaks and communications crises in the workplace.


      "Conducting Internal Investigations: Getting the Witness Interview Right," co-presented with Edward J. Heath, during the Association of Independent Colleges & Universities in Massachusetts 2018 Spring Symposium (6/6/2018)
      • » more info

        • Conducting Internal Investigations: Getting the Witness Interview Right

        "Conducting Internal Investigations: Getting the Witness Interview Right," co-presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson and Edward J. Heath, during the Association of Independent Colleges & Universities in Massachusetts 2018 Spring Symposium (6/6/2018)

        During the program, Ms. Cole-Johnson and Mr. Heath covered the components of an internal investigation, measures to take immediately, identifying witnesses, planning interview logistics, determining interview questions, and concluding the interview.


      "Managing Absenteeism, Leaves, & Presenteeism," as part of the Essential Skills for Supervisors & Managers program presented by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) (5/11/2018)
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        • Managing Absenteeism, Leaves, & Presenteeism

        "Managing Absenteeism, Leaves, & Presenteeism," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, as part of the Essential Skills for Supervisors & Managers program presented by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) (5/11/2018)

        Ms. Cole-Johnson presented an interactive session that educated attendees about the practicalities of sustaining an active, engaged and productive workforce. Acknowledging that supervisors have extensive, day-to-day, direct interaction with employees, and the key role they play in monitoring daily activity, the program explored the following questions:

        • Are there employee observations that should trigger an inquiry?
        • What questions can or cannot be asked?
        • When does presenteeism require a supervisor’s attention?
        • How can you tell when presenteeism may require accommodation?

      "Workplace Investigation Basics Seminar," co-presented with Rachel V. Kushel, presented by the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) at Robinson+Cole's Boston office (5/10/2018)
      • » more info

        • Workplace Investigation Basics Seminar

        "Workplace Investigation Basics Seminar," co-presented by Rachel V. Kushel and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, presented by the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) at Robinson+Cole's Boston office (5/10/2018)

        The full-day, interactive program introduced participants to the theory and the practical skills necessary to conduct impartial investigations of allegations of employee misconduct. Attendees learned how to: ask effective questions, interview reluctant witnesses, obtain relevant evidence, assess credibility, and arrive at a legally defensible decision. They were also instructed in how to prepare and utilize all of the necessary documentation during the investigative process. Ms. Cole-Johnson and Ms. Kushel are both AWI Certificate Holders and Ms. Cole-Johnson serves on the Board of Directors of AWI. AWI's membership of more than 800 professionals from across the United States, Canada, and Australia consists of lawyers, human resource professionals, and private investigators who conduct, manage, or have a professional interest in workplace investigations.


      "Training Institute for Workplace Investigators," presented by the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) in Atlanta, Georgia (5/1 to 5/4/2018)
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        • Training Institute for Workplace Investigators

        "Training Institute for Workplace Investigators," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, presented by the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) in Atlanta, Georgia (5/1 to 5/4/2018)

        Ms. Cole-Johnson served as a faculty member at the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) Training Institute for Workplace Investigators. The Institute consists of intensive training on the core knowledge and skills required to conduct impartial workplace investigations. The 70 students, all internal and external impartial workplace investigators from across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, participated in four days of training and a day of testing. Those individuals who passed the tests received an AWI Institute Certificate. 


      "If I Could Turn Back Time...Getting Workplace Harassment Investigations Right," co-presented with Rachel V. Kushel and Abby M. Warren, presented by the Human Resource Association of Central Connecticut (2/28/2018)
      • » more info

        • If I Could Turn Back Time...Getting Workplace Harassment Investigations Right

        "If I Could Turn Back Time...Getting Workplace Harassment Investigations Right," co-presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Rachel V. Kushel and Abby M. Warren, presented by the Human Resource Association of Central Connecticut (2/28/2018)

        The program was conducted as a hypothetical workplace harassment investigation. Ms. Cole-Johnson, Ms. Kushel, and Ms. Warren role-played the initial major phases of the workplace investigation process based on a hypothetical scenario with input from attendees on identifying and analyzing the issues presented. The program also covered responding to harassment allegations, including identifying key issues and creating a plan of action to investigate and resolve complaints.


      "Managing FMLA and ADA Leave: A Collaborative Exercise," at the National Business Institute’s (NBI) seminar Applying HR Law to Everyday Issues – An Interactive Workshop in New Haven, Connecticut (11/8/2017)
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        • Managing FMLA and ADA Leave: A Collaborative Exercise

        "Managing FMLA and ADA Leave: A Collaborative Exercise," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, at the National Business Institute’s (NBI) seminar Applying HR Law to Everyday Issues – An Interactive Workshop in New Haven, Connecticut (11/8/2017)

        The session explored the legal essentials of FMLA and ADA leave, along with the possible scenarios involving intermittent leave headaches, reasonable accommodation or undue hardship, and leave and substance abuse.


      "New Hires: Ensuring Legally Sound Practices," at the National Business Institute’s (NBI) seminar Applying HR Law to Everyday Issues – An Interactive Workshop in New Haven, Connecticut (11/8/2017)
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        • New Hires: Ensuring Legally Sound Practices

        "New Hires: Ensuring Legally Sound Practices," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, at the National Business Institute’s (NBI) seminar Applying HR Law to Everyday Issues – An Interactive Workshop in New Haven, Connecticut (11/8/2017)

        The session highlighted job description essentials, how to conduct background checks, how to use social media in the hiring process, when/how to use noncompete agreements, and onboarding and orientation best practices. 


      "Essential Handbook Must-Haves and Updates," at the National Business Institute’s (NBI) seminar Applying HR Law to Everyday Issues – An Interactive Workshop in New Haven, Connecticut (11/8/2017)
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        • Essential Handbook Must-Haves and Updates

        "Essential Handbook Must-Haves and Updates," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, at the National Business Institute’s (NBI) seminar Applying HR Law to Everyday Issues – An Interactive Workshop in New Haven, Connecticut (11/8/2017)

        Ms. Cole-Johnson discussed including the latest legal updates in handbooks, maintaining at-will relationships, eliminating contradictory policies, and avoiding vague and inconsistent policies.


      "Workplace Investigation Basics," co-presented with Cinnamon McLin, workplace ethics and concerns manager at Southern Company Services, at the Seventh Annual Workplace Investigation Basics Seminar in Atlanta, Georgia; sponsored by the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) (9/26/2017)
      • » more info

        • Workplace Investigation Basics

        "Workplace Investigation Basics," co-presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson and Cinnamon McLin, workplace ethics and concerns manager at Southern Company Services, at the Seventh Annual Workplace Investigation Basics Seminar in Atlanta, Georgia; sponsored by the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) (9/26/2017)

        The program discussion covered the practical skills necessary to investigate allegations of employee misconduct, including asking effective questions, interviewing reluctant witnesses, obtaining relevant evidence, assessing credibility, and arriving at a legally defensible decision. 


      "Creating a Comprehensive Employee Handbook," at the 2017 Southern New England Energy Conference in Newport, Rhode Island (9/18/2017)
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        • Creating a Comprehensive Employee Handbook

        "Creating a Comprehensive Employee Handbook," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, at the 2017 Southern New England Energy Conference in Newport, Rhode Island (9/18/2017)

        Ms. Cole-Johnson spoke on "Creating a Comprehensive Employee Handbook." Her presentation, based on work done by Robinson+Cole on behalf of the Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association, provided a comprehensive review of elements that should be included in any employee handbook. She emphasized how a well-drafted employee handbook can protect employers, reduce the risk of liability, and increase employee morale.


      "The ADA and Workplace Accommodations," a webinar for the Clear Law Institute (4/4/2017)
      • » more info

        • The ADA and Workplace Accommodations

        "The ADA and Workplace Accommodations," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, a webinar for the Clear Law Institute (4/4/2017)

        Ms. Cole-Johnson examined ways to manage accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), improve ADA compliance efforts, and avoid legal pitfalls. In particular, she discussed how to comply with the interactive process mandate, employee rights under the ADA, how to initiate and implement the interactive process, what is considered a reasonable accommodation, and recent case law and lessons learned.


      "Perspectives from the U.S.," at The World of Higher Education Conference, sponsored by UK-based law firm Mills & Reeve, at the British Library in London (3/16/2017)
      • » more info

        • Perspectives from the U.S.

        "Perspectives from the U.S.," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, at The World of Higher Education Conference, sponsored by UK-based law firm Mills & Reeve, at the British Library in London (3/16/2017)

        Ms. Cole-Johnson spoke about strategic workforce planning for U.S. market entry initiatives for UK-based higher education institutions.


      "Fear Not! No Secret Handshake Here: Handling Non-EEO Investigations," at the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) 2016 Annual Conference in San Francisco, California (November 4, 2016)
      • » more info

        • Fear Not! No Secret Handshake Here: Handling Non-EEO Investigations

        "Fear Not! No Secret Handshake Here: Handling Non-EEO Investigations," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, at the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) 2016 Annual Conference in San Francisco, California (November 4, 2016)

        Ms. Cole-Johnson and her co-presenter, Keith Rohman of Public Interest Investigations, offered guidance to assist workplace investigators in evaluating whether they can manage a particular non-EEO investigation, discussed the initial steps in a non-EEO workplace investigation, and provided tips to analyze the skills investigators may already have and the skills they may need to conduct a non-EEO investigation. The audience consisted of more than 215 workplace investigators from 17 U.S. states, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. AWI’s membership includes lawyers, human resource professionals, and private investigators who conduct, manage, or have a professional interest in impartial workplace investigations.


      "Scandal on Campus and the Modern Day Investigation: Harassment, Sexting, and Avoiding the 'Rabbit Hole'," co-presented with Kathleen E. Dion, presented at the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM) Fall Symposium, College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts (10/14/2016)
      • » more info

        • Scandal on Campus and the Modern Day Investigation: Harassment, Sexting, and Avoiding the 'Rabbit Hole'

        "Scandal on Campus and the Modern Day Investigation: Harassment, Sexting, and Avoiding the 'Rabbit Hole'," co-presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson and Kathleen E. Dion, presented at the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM) Fall Symposium, College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts (10/14/2016)

        The session covered what today's workplace scandal looks like, the impact of technology on investigations, how to determine when an employer must investigate a complaint, and how to craft a witness interview strategy and investigation scope. Click here for the PowerPoint. 


      "Workplace Investigation Basics Seminar," co-presented with Keith Rohman, president of Public Interest Investigations, Inc. (PII), and Naomi Butterfield, of counsel at Bernstein Shur, hosted by the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) (5/25/2016)

      "The ADA and Workplace Accommodations," webinar, presented by the Clear Law Institute (4/26/2016 and 9/8/2016)

      "The Workplace Scandal and Modern-Day Investigations: Harassment, Sexting, and Avoiding the 'Rabbit Hole'," webinar, presented by the Clear Law Institute (3/5/2016)

      "Troubleshooting HR Legal Nightmares," at a National Business Institute's (NBI) seminar (11/4/2015)
      • » more info

        • Troubleshooting HR Legal Nightmares

        "Troubleshooting HR Legal Nightmares," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, at a National Business Institute's (NBI) seminar (11/4/2015)

        Ms. Cole-Johnson presented three workshops: "Leave Law Non-Compliance," "Handbook Errors That Cause Legal Difficulties," and "Employment Practices That Lead to Discrimination Claims." She discussed how employers can confidently navigate the intersection of FMLA, ADA, and workers' compensation leaves and how they can review employee handbooks for errors that have the potential to cause significant legal headaches. She also provided the latest legal updates regarding gender discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, and more, with a focus on offering strategies for HR professionals to prevent seemingly innocent employment practices from becoming complex legal nightmares.


      "Minimizing Legal Risk in Internal Employee Investigations," co-presented with Judy S. Kalisker, principal at Compliance Plus, at the Association of Workplace Investigators' (AWI) Annual Conference in Los Angeles (10/23/2015)
      • » more info

        • Minimizing Legal Risk in Internal Employee Investigations

        "Minimizing Legal Risk in Internal Employee Investigations," co-presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson and Judy S. Kalisker, principal at Compliance Plus, at the Association of Workplace Investigators' (AWI) Annual Conference in Los Angeles (10/23/2015)

        The session explored why it is important for internal investigators to consider the legal aspects that affect the investigative process and outcomes. Specifically, the focus was on what is covered by the attorney-client privilege; how to recognize and address employment law issues that arise during an investigation, for example, retaliation, the FMLA, and the ADA; and when employees must have a co-worker or third party present during an interview, and options when this is not required.


      "The Workplace Scandal and Modern-Day Investigations: Harassment, Sexting, and Avoiding the 'Rabbit Hole'," presented to the Society for Human Resource Management in Danbury, Connecticut (6/16/2015)

      "The Perils of Vine, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter: Legal Considerations of Social Media," moderated the presentation, which was sponsored by the CBA's Young Lawyers Section and held at the Quinnipiac Club in New Haven (2/26/2015)
      • » more info

        • The Perils of Vine, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter: Legal Considerations of Social Media

        "The Perils of Vine, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter: Legal Considerations of Social Media," presented by Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, moderated the presentation, which was sponsored by the CBA's Young Lawyers Section and held at the Quinnipiac Club in New Haven (2/26/2015)

        Labor and employment lawyer Susan N. Masters organized the presentation. This event, which drew many attendees throughout the legal community and beyond, featured Ms. Cole-Johnson as the moderator. The panelists, David Lat, founder and managing editor of the popular legal blog Above the Law; Daniel A. Schwartz, founder of the Connecticut Employment Law Blog; and Lauri Stevens, founder of LAwS Communications, a media consultancy for law enforcement, provided their insights on issues relating to cutting-edge social media in a variety of areas affecting the legal landscape, including the employment and law enforcement arenas. The presentation focused on the unique legal challenges of new social media applications; how human resources, legal professionals, and police departments can use social media content in their investigations and in litigation; and how lawyers have faced legal trouble due to their social media activity.


      "Education Roundtable: Conducting an Internal Investigation," (11/21/2014)

      "Workplace Accommodations and the ADA: Focusing on Compliance and Productivity," co-presented with Nicole A. Bernabo (10/16/2014)

      "Practical Implications of the Revamped Connecticut Personnel Files Act," co-presented with Nicole A. Bernabo, webinar (10/29/2013)

      Panelist at Hartford Foundation for Public Giving's Scholarship Reception (6/9/2011). Ray Hardman, host of WNPR's Morning Edition and director of Public Affairs for Connecticut Public Television, moderated the panel.

      "Managing a Mobile Workforce: Complying with Wage and Hour Laws and Protecting Company Interests," co-presented with Stephen W. Aronson and Jean E. Tomasco, webinar (5/25/2011)

      "Social Media in the Workplace - What to Consider to Protect Your Company," co-presented with Nicole A. Bernabo and Alice E. DeTora, webinar (3/30/2011)

      "Career Beginnings Workshop," Panelist at Career Beginnings workshop for Hartford area high school students; Career Beginnings is a joint venture of the MetroHartford Alliance and the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education. (2/9/2011)

    • News

      R+C in the News

      • April 3, 2023

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Profiled in Hartford Business Journal’s 2023 “Women in Business” Issue

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Profiled in Hartford Business Journal’s 2023 “Women in Business” Issue

          Labor and Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson is featured in this week’s edition of the Hartford Business Journal as a 2023 “Women in Business” Honoree. Britt-Marie's profile in the publication includes her biggest professional accomplishment so far, one of the biggest professional challenges she's had to overcome, and who has been her most important mentor. A link to the profile is available on the firm’s LinkedIn page.

          Britt-Marie is among 25 honorees who demonstrate business savvy, confidence in themselves and their organizations, and a strong track record of professional leadership. The honorees  will be recognized during the publication’s Annual Women in Business Awards on May 4, 2023.

        • View article
      • November 11, 2022

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Named Chair of Advisory Board to Teach for America Connecticut

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Named Chair of Advisory Board to Teach for America Connecticut

          Labor and Employment Group lawyer, Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson has been named chair of the regional advisory board leading Teach for America Connecticut. The organization serves as part of a network of partners committed to giving all students the educational opportunities, access and life choices they deserve. Teach for America Connecticut’s program is centered around vibrant urban centers in Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Bridgeport and Norwalk, fostering partnerships with community leaders and organizations to build coalitions with students, families and educators and to combat the systemic “injustice of educational inequity.” 

      • September 6, 2022

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Authors Article on Optimizing Board Governance

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Authors Article on Optimizing Board Governance

          Labor, Employment, Benefits + Immigration Group member, Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, authored the article “Governance Dashboards: A Simple, But Mighty Tool,” published August 19, 2022, in The Steward, the newsletter for nonprofit clients published by Fiducient Advisors. The article addresses nonprofit organizations and the tools they can use “to track goals and to optimize and streamline operations and various workflows.” Particular emphasis is given to dashboards, which can be effective tracking tools that organizations can use “to focus their mission and goals and allow board members and staff to manage important items.” Read the article here. 

      • June 27, 2022

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Is Honored at the “100 Women of Color Gala & Awards”

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Is Honored at the “100 Women of Color Gala & Awards”

          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson was among the honorees recognized at the "100 Women of Color Gala & Awards" at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center in Simsbury, CT on June 24, 2022. The awards recognize the extraordinary contributions made by women of color in business, education, entrepreneurship, entertainment, government and public service and the impact they have on the lives of people in communities across Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. The annual event raises funds to provide financial support for programs that further the advancement of young women of color. A portion of the event proceeds will support programs, including scholarships, for those who graduate from high school and plan on attending college, leadership and mentorship programs.

      • June 9, 2022

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Among National Bar Association’s “40 Under 40 Nation’s Best Advocates”

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Among National Bar Association’s “40 Under 40 Nation’s Best Advocates”

          Labor and Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson is among the 2022 recipients of the National Bar Association’s (NBA) “40 Under 40 Nation’s Best Advocates” awards, presented in recognition of the nation’s top 40 lawyers under the age 40 who exemplify a broad range of high achievement in the legal field, including in advocacy, innovation, vision, leadership and overall legal and community involvement. “These awards are designed to recognize attorneys who have shown a true commitment to advancing important legal interests as demonstrated by their hard-work, creativity, leadership and the successes they have achieved at this stage in their respective careers,” said [NBA] President Carlos Moore. “The awardees were selected from a sizable list of nominees solely on merit and the ultimate recipients are those most deserving based on the strength of their legal acumen, ingenuity, and community service. The NBA believes this group will continue in the future to exhibit the same skills, leadership and commitment that led the selection panel to select this group of 40,” Moore said. Britt-Marie will be honored during the 40 Under 40 Awards Gala on July 27, 2022 as part of the NBA’s 97th Annual Convention in Memphis, TN. Read more in the press release.

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      • March 25, 2022

        Connecticut Law Tribune to Honor Eight Robinson+Cole Lawyers During Connecticut Legal Awards

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          Connecticut Law Tribune to Honor Eight Robinson+Cole Lawyers During Connecticut Legal Awards

          The Connecticut Law Tribune will recognize Robinson+Cole lawyers Norman Roos, Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, Dan Brody, Emily Deans, Choity Khan, Sandra Marin Lautier, Kathryn Mullin and Stephani Roman during the publication’s annual Connecticut Legal Awards on May 11, 2022. The awards honor those attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in Connecticut - whether in shaping the law, achieving outsized results for their clients, being an outstanding jurist or assisting those in need of legal services. View the complete list of honorees. 

          Norm will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a lawyer “who has left a lasting imprint on the legal community of Connecticut.” Britt-Marie is to receive the Distinguished Leader Award for achieving “impressive results in 2021 and demonstrating clear leadership skills that helped achieve those results.” In addition, Dan Brody has been named as one of the three finalists for the Diversity Initiative Award, which will be announced at the ceremony. A recognition added to the awards slate in 2021, the Diversity Initiative distinction honors a lawyer or firm who has made a significant contribution to diversity and inclusion efforts in Connecticut’s legal community. Emily, Choity, Sandra, Kathryn and Stephani will be recognized as “New Leaders in the Law,” a distinction that spotlights lawyers under the age of 40 who have excelled in the courtroom, in client service and cultivation, in service to bar associations, and in performing pro bono work or community service in a volunteer capacity.

      • October 28, 2021

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Re-Elected to AWI Board of Directors

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Re-Elected to AWI Board of Directors

          Congratulations to Labor and Employment Group partner, Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, on being re-elected to serve a third two-year term as a member of the Association of Workplace Investigators, Inc. (AWI) Board of Directors. Founded in 2009, AWI’s more than 1,400 members comprise a professional association for attorneys, human resource professionals, private investigators, and many others who conduct, manage, or have a professional interest in workplace investigations. AWI’s mission is to promote and enhance the quality of impartial workplace investigations. Britt-Marie is an AWI Certificate Holder and a frequent speaker and faculty member for the Association’s training and education programs focused on conducting impartial workplace investigations.

      • June 23, 2021

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Featured in Women’s Business Development Council Podcast Series on Racism and Your Small Business

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Featured in Women’s Business Development Council Podcast Series on Racism and Your Small Business

          Labor and Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson was featured in three-part episode series titled “Racism and Your Small Business,” the first of which was released on June 17, 2021, as part of the “Courageous Conversations with Fran Pastore” podcast presented by the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC). The series originated from a WBDC roundtable discussion hosted in June 2020. Podcast host and WBDC Chief Executive Officer, Fran Pastore, engages in a conversation with “a panel of prominent women,” including Britt-Marie; Robin Imbrogno, President of The Human Resource Consulting Group and Joelle Murchison, Founder & Principal of ExecMommyGroup LLC and Executive Director of the Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity, to explore steps that can be taken to make a difference in the journey toward social, economic, and racial equity and justice. Listen to the podcast.

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      • May 14, 2021

        Labor and Employment Group Lawyers Author ISHN Article on COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement in the Workplace

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          Labor and Employment Group Lawyers Author ISHN Article on COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement in the Workplace

          Labor and Employment Group lawyers Stephen W. Aronson, Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Natale V. DiNatale, Abby M. Warren, Kayla N. West and Emily A. Zaklukiewicz authored the article “The big-ticket question: Can (or should) employers require the COVID-19 vaccine of employees in the workplace?” published in ISHN (Industrial Safety & Hygiene News) on May 12, 2021. With many employees deciding to forgo getting the COVID-19 vaccine, despite the fact that is now widely available for adults in most states, employers are grappling with whether to adopt a policy requiring the COVID-19 vaccine in an effort to provide a safe and healthy work environment. The article offers an overview of the many legal and practical risks associated with adopting a mandatory vaccine policy, which employers are encouraged to recognize and evaluate before its implementing. Read the full article.  

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      • April 9, 2021

        Labor and Employment Group Lawyers Author MBA Article on Managing COVID-19 Vaccinations in the Workplace

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          Labor and Employment Group Lawyers Author MBA Article on Managing COVID-19 Vaccinations in the Workplace

          Labor and Employment Group lawyers Stephen W. Aronson, Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Natale V. DiNatale, Abby M. Warren, Kayla N. West and Emily A. Zaklukiewicz authored the article “Taking A Shot At Answering Employers’ COVID-19 Vaccination Questions: Best Practices For Managing The COVID-19 Vaccine In The Workplace” published in the Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA) March/April 2021 Section Review newsletter. Submitted on behalf of the MBA’s Health Law Section, which Natale serves as Vice Chair of, the article covers several legal and practical issues that employers may wish to consider regarding the implementation of a COVID-19 vaccination policy in the workplace, including the significance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emergency use authorization, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) position on mandating the COVID-19 vaccine, managing employees who refuse to get the COVID-19 vaccine, privacy and confidentiality concerns and more. Read the full article.

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      • March 16, 2021

        Labor and Employment Members Author Industry Week Article on “The ABC’s of DEI”

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          Labor and Employment Members Author Industry Week Article on “The ABC’s of DEI”

          Labor and Employment Group members Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Rachel V. Kushel, Abby M. Warren and Kayla N. West co-authored the article “The ABCs of DEI” published in Industry Week on March 12, 2021. The article offers best practices for cultivating a workplace that promotes a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) while also supporting manufacturers' overall business objectives. “Ideally, getting DEI right this year is a priority for employers, including those that may be federal contractors subject to affirmative action laws and regulations seeking to strengthen their commitments and strategies.” Britt-Marie, Rachel, Abby and Kayla go on to share questions for manufacturers to consider posing to evaluate where they currently stand on DEI and core components for a strong DEI program. Read the full article.

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      • February 16, 2021

        Labor and Employment Members Author Law360 Article on Employer Best Practices for DEI

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          Labor and Employment Members Author Law360 Article on Employer Best Practices for DEI

          Labor and Employment Group members Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, Rachel Kushel, Abby Warren and Kayla West co-authored the article “Employer Best Practices For Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” published in Law360 on February 11, 2021. The article addresses employers’ options in responding in 2021 to challenges in the workplace on highly-charged matters of social justice and civil rights. The piece outlines steps employers can take to foster a workplace that both respects and promotes a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) while also supporting the business’ overall objectives.

          The authors write that “employees are poised to take employers to task because of their silence, or even to change employers based on their disagreement with their employer’s position on an issue.” They offer a series of reflective questions that can help move an organization forward on DEI issues, such as: Where are we now? What are our goals and how will we hold ourselves accountable? What internal and external resources will we need? and Does our current leadership have the skillset necessary to speak competently on DEI issues?

          In addition to these considerations, the article also outlines key components and steps employers can take to engage and involve employees, crafting achievable strategies that can be implemented to build a strong, sustainable DEI program and position their business “ahead of the curve” in 2021. To read the full article, click here.

      • January 15, 2021

        Labor and Employment Group Lawyers Author Construction Executive Article on COVID-19 Vaccine in the Workplace

      • September 26, 2019

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Re-appointed to Association of Workplace Investigators Board of Directors

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Re-appointed to Association of Workplace Investigators Board of Directors

          Labor and Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson has been appointed to serve a second two-year term as a member of the 2019/2020 Board of Directors of the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI), effective September 26, 2019. AWI is a professional membership association for attorneys, human resource professionals, private investigators, and many others who conduct, manage, or have a professional interest in workplace investigations. With more than 900 members in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and other countries, AWI's mission is to promote and enhance the quality of impartial workplace investigations. Britt-Marie is a frequent speaker and faculty member for the Association’s training and education programs focused on conducting impartial workplace investigations.

      • May 28, 2019

        Firm Attorneys Host AWI New England Local Circle Meeting in Boston

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          Firm Attorneys Host AWI New England Local Circle Meeting in Boston

          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, Rachel Kushel, Natale DiNatale, and Abby Warren hosted the Association of Workplace Investigators’ (AWI) New England Local Circle meeting at Robinson+Cole’s Boston office on May 23, 2019. The meeting featured a lively roundtable discussion on the topics of Investigative Reports and Findings, and offered networking opportunities.

          AWI is an international professional membership association for attorneys, human resource professionals, private investigators and others who conduct, manage, or have a professional interest in workplace investigations, with a membership of more than 1,000 professionals. The organization is dedicated to promoting and enhancing the quality of impartial workplace investigations, as well as offering training and education programs. Britt-Marie is a co-convener of the New England Local Circle and serves as a member of the Board of Directors for AWI.

      • May 6, 2019

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Serves as 2019 AWI Training Institute Faculty Member

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Serves as 2019 AWI Training Institute Faculty Member

          Labor, Employment, Benefits + Immigration Group lawyer Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson served as a presenting faculty member at the 2019 Chicago Area Training Institute for Workplace Investigators in St. Charles, Illinois. The Institute, sponsored by the Association of Workplace Investigators, Inc. (AWI), was held from April 29-May 3, 2019.  

          AWI established the Training Institute to promote and enhance the specialized knowledge and skills required of investigators to successfully conduct the critical function of impartial workplace investigations. The four-day accredited course included 10 hours of small group sessions, followed by a day of assessments. Students who passed the test received a certificate indicating mastery of the materials and are permitted to place the designation ‘AWI-CH’ after their name. Britt-Marie taught the Ethics Module and also conducted a Mock Investigation and Report Writing Exercise. She is a part-time faculty member for AWI.
           

      • April 3, 2019

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Presents on HR Issues to NBI Attendees

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Presents on HR Issues to NBI Attendees

          Labor + Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson was among the speakers who presented during a program entitled "Your Top 11 Employment Law Questions: Answered" in Waterbury, Connecticut on April 1, 2019. The program was presented by the National Business Institute (NBI) as part of a full-day course that offered legal guidance for attorneys, HR managers, CFOs and other management professionals in complying with employment laws and avoiding lawsuits. The program examined complex legal questions for employers that are found in everyday HR situations, including how to best handle difficult hiring and firing issues; navigating intermittent Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) challenges;  addressing Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and state agency charges; untangling workers’ compensation, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the FMLA; preserving attorney-client privilege during internal workplace investigations; and ethical issues in employment law.

      • March 23, 2019

        Firm Attorneys Host Inaugural Meeting of AWI’s New England Local Circle

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          Firm Attorneys Host Inaugural Meeting of AWI’s New England Local Circle

          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, Abby Warren and Natale DiNatale hosted the Inaugural Meeting of the New England Local Circle Kick Off Meeting of Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) at the Boston office on March 21, 2019. Britt-Marie and Dinamary Horvath of Maxe Law will serve as co-conveners for the New England Local Circle, which will meet five times per year in the Boston office. Participants were offered an overview and history of AWI and the benefits of membership in the New England Local Circle, which include an online idea-sharing forum hosted in a private group on LinkedIn and referral and learning opportunities.

          AWI is an international professional membership association for attorneys, human resource professionals, private investigators and others who conduct, manage, or have a professional interest in workplace investigations, and has a current membership of more than 1,000 professionals. Britt-Marie serves as a member of the Board of Directors for AWI and will be a faculty member at the upcoming AWI Training Institute for Workplace Investigators in Chicago. 
           

      • March 22, 2019

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Reappointed to U.S. District Court Federal Grievance Committee

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Reappointed to U.S. District Court Federal Grievance Committee

          Labor + Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson  has been reappointed to the Federal Grievance Committee of the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut. She will serve a three-year term through December 31, 2021. The Federal Grievance Committee reviews complaints alleging attorney misconduct relating to matters relevant to an attorney's qualifications to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut.

      • January 11, 2019

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson and Natale DiNatale Present Workplace Investigations CLE Program

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson and Natale DiNatale Present Workplace Investigations CLE Program

          Labor + Employment Group lawyers Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson and Natale V. DiNatale presented the program "High-Risk Workplace Investigations" on January 8, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA) Health Law Section, the CLE program offered a brief but substantive look at the risky terrain faced by health care employers when conducting a workplace investigation. Britt-Marie served as a panelist while Natale served as the program chair. He is currently a member of the MBA Health Law Section Council.

      • November 26, 2018

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Presents During 2018 CBIA Employment Law Conference

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Presents During 2018 CBIA Employment Law Conference

          Labor + Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson presented a program on "ADA Performance & Conduct Standards," as part of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association’s (CBIA) 2018 Employment Law Conference in Farmington, Connecticut on November 15, 2018. Britt-Marie addressed the possibility of an individual’s disability being a contributing factor to performance, conduct, or safety concerns. She also covered evaluating the defensibility of performance standards, whether accommodation may be required, the process for identifying and exploring possible accommodations, and how performance standards might be impacted.

      • October 19, 2018

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson and Abby Warren Co-Present Program on Effective Communications with Employees During Investigations

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson and Abby Warren Co-Present Program on Effective Communications with Employees During Investigations

          Labor + Employment Group lawyers Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson and Abby M. Warren co-presented the program "No Ghosting Allowed: Perfecting the Art of Effective Communications with Employees During Investigations," as part of the 2018 Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) Annual Conference held October 11-13, 2018 in Burlingame, California. The session explored the human resources and employee relations side of strong employee communications during an investigation as well as the legal issues and associated risks involved. Britt-Marie and Abby covered the types of communications that are typically made and how such communications can be tailored based on the workplace and the investigation, the balance that must be achieved between transparency and confidentiality during an investigation, how to handle employee questions and concerns, and techniques for handling leaks and communications crises in the workplace.

      • October 18, 2018

        51 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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          51 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

          A total of 51 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island for 2018. In addition, 32 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.” The Super Lawyers designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas. An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here. View the list of recognized attorneys and their areas of practice.

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      • June 28, 2018

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson and Ed Heath Present on Internal Investigations During AICUM Spring Symposium

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson and Ed Heath Present on Internal Investigations During AICUM Spring Symposium

          Labor and Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson and Business Litigation Group lawyer Edward J. Heath presented a breakout session on "Conducting Internal Investigations: Getting the Witness Interview Right" during the Association of Independent Colleges & Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM) 2018 Spring Symposium on June 6, 2018 in Waltham, Massachusetts. AICUM is the leading voice on public policy issues affecting independent higher education in Massachusetts. The association is comprised of 60 degree-granting, accredited, independent (private) colleges and universities across the Commonwealth. During the program, Ms. Cole-Johnson and Mr. Heath covered the components of an internal investigation, measures to take immediately, identifying witnesses, planning interview logistics, determining interview questions, and concluding the interview.

      • June 5, 2018

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson and Rachel Kushel Lead Association of Workplace Investigators Seminar

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson and Rachel Kushel Lead Association of Workplace Investigators Seminar

          Labor and Employment Group lawyers Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson and Rachel V. Kushel presented the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) " Workplace Investigation Basics Seminar," hosted at Robinson+Cole's Boston office on May 10, 2018. The full-day, interactive program introduced participants to the theory and the practical skills necessary to conduct impartial investigations of allegations of employee misconduct. Attendees learned how to: ask effective questions, interview reluctant witnesses, obtain relevant evidence, assess credibility, and arrive at a legally defensible decision. They were also instructed in how to prepare and utilize all of the necessary documentation during the investigative process. Ms. Cole-Johnson and Ms. Kushel are both AWI Certificate Holders and Ms. Cole-Johnson serves on the Board of Directors of AWI. AWI's membership of more than 800 professionals from across the United States, Canada, and Australia consists of lawyers, human resource professionals, and private investigators who conduct, manage, or have a professional interest in workplace investigations.

      • May 29, 2018

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Serves as Faculty Member at AWI Training Institute

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Serves as Faculty Member at AWI Training Institute

          Labor + Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson served as a faculty member at the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) Training Institute for Workplace Investigators from May 1 to May 4, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Institute consists of intensive training on the core knowledge and skills required to conduct impartial workplace investigations. The 70 students, all internal and external impartial workplace investigators from across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, participated in four days of training and a day of testing. Those individuals who passed the tests received an AWI Institute Certificate. Ms. Cole-Johnson has previously taught the AWI Workplace Investigation Basics Seminar in 2016, 2017, and 2018, and she was featured as a speaker at AWI's annual conference in 2015 and 2016.

      • May 21, 2018

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Offers Insight to CBIA Members

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Offers Insight to CBIA Members

          Labor + Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson was among the presenters for a program on "Essential Skills for Supervisors & Managers" held on May 11, 2018 in Wallingford, Connecticut. The program was sponsored by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA). Ms. Cole-Johnson presented an interactive session on "Managing Absenteeism, Leaves, & Presenteeism," educating attendees about the practicalities of sustaining an active, engaged and productive workforce. Acknowledging that supervisors have extensive, day-to-day, direct interaction with employees, and the key role they play in monitoring daily activity, the program explored the following questions:

          • Are there employee observations that should trigger an inquiry?
          • What questions can or cannot be asked?
          • When does presenteeism require a supervisor’s attention?
          • How can you tell when presenteeism may require accommodation?

          CBIA is Connecticut’s largest business organization, with thousands of member companies, small and large, representing a diverse range of industries from every part of the state.

      • May 8, 2018

        Chambers USA Recognizes Robinson+Cole Lawyers and Practice Groups

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          Chambers USA Recognizes Robinson+Cole Lawyers and Practice Groups

          The legal directory Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized Robinson+Cole in all six practice areas that Chambers USA covers in Connecticut in its 2018 edition and has individually recognized 18 of the firm’s lawyers.  
          Robinson+Cole earned rankings in the following Connecticut practice areas: Corporate/M&A, Environment, Healthcare, Labor & Employment, Litigation: General Commercial, and Real Estate. See the individual market press releases for the list of Robinson+Cole lawyers included in Chambers USA 2018.

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      • March 13, 2018

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, Rachel, Kushel, and Abby Warren Conduct Hypothetical Workplace Harassment Investigation, Role-Playing the Major Aspects of a Workplace Investigation

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, Rachel, Kushel, and Abby Warren Conduct Hypothetical Workplace Harassment Investigation, Role-Playing the Major Aspects of a Workplace Investigation

          Labor + Employment Group lawyers Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Rachel V. Kushel, and Abby M. Warren presented the program “If I Could Turn Back Time...Getting Workplace Harassment Investigations Right” on February 28, 2018 in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. Presented by the Human Resource Association of Central Connecticut, the program was conducted as a hypothetical workplace harassment investigation. Ms. Cole-Johnson, Ms. Kushel, and Ms. Warren role-played the initial major phases of the workplace investigation process based on a hypothetical scenario with input from attendees on identifying and analyzing the issues presented. The program also covered responding to harassment allegations, including identifying key issues and creating a plan of action to investigate and resolve complaints.

      • January 26, 2018

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Quoted in HR Magazine Article on How to Investigate Sexual Harassment Allegations

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Quoted in HR Magazine Article on How to Investigate Sexual Harassment Allegations

          Labor + Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson was quoted in an article entitled “How to Investigate Sexual Harassment Allegations,” published in the February 2018 issue of HR Magazine, the member publication for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In the article, Ms. Cole-Johnson comments on the need to create an investigative plan before beginning interviews, gather evidence that might support or negate the complaint, and produce a timely fact-finding document or report. She also stresses the importance of weighing the evidence. “Don’t just regurgitate what the witnesses told you. That’s not the role of an investigator.” Click here to read the article available on the SHRM website.

      • November 27, 2017

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Presents on HR Issues at NBI Workshop

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Presents on HR Issues at NBI Workshop

          Labor + Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson spoke at the National Business Institute’s (NBI) seminar Applying HR Law to Everyday Issues – An Interactive Workshop in New Haven, Connecticut, on November 8. 2017. The program, an interactive series of workshops, examined real-world solutions to thought-provoking HR scenarios to help attendees develop commonsense approaches to everyday HR situations. Ms. Cole-Johnson presented three workshops. The first one, "Essential Handbook Must-Haves and Updates," discussed including the latest legal updates in handbooks, maintaining at-will relationships, eliminating contradictory policies, and avoiding vague and inconsistent policies. The second one, "Managing FMLA and ADA Leave: A Collaborative Exercise," explored the legal essentials of FMLA and ADA leave, along with the possible scenarios involving intermittent leave headaches, reasonable accommodation or undue hardship, and leave and substance abuse. The third one, "New Hires: Ensuring Legally Sound Practices," highlighted job description essentials, how to conduct background checks, how to use social media in the hiring process, when/how to use noncompete agreements, and onboarding and orientation best practices. 

      • October 4, 2017

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Speaks at Annual AWI Seminar

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Speaks at Annual AWI Seminar

          Labor and Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson was a co-presenter for the Seventh Annual Workplace Investigation Basics Seminar in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 26, 2017, sponsored by the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI). In the program, "Workplace Investigation Basics,"  Ms. Cole-Johnson and her co-presenter, Cinnamon McLin, workplace ethics and concerns manager at Southern Company Services, discussed the practical skills necessary to investigate allegations of employee misconduct, including asking effective questions, interviewing reluctant witnesses, obtaining relevant evidence, assessing credibility, and arriving at a legally defensible decision. AWI's membership of over 800 professionals from across the United States, Canada, and Australia consists of lawyers, human resource professionals, and private investigators who conduct, manage, or have a professional interest in workplace investigations.

      • September 27, 2017

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Participate in 2017 Southern New England Energy Conference

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Participate in 2017 Southern New England Energy Conference

          Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group lawyer Brian C. Freeman and Labor and Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson presented at the 2017 Southern New England Energy Conference in Newport, Rhode Island on September 18, 2017. Mr. Freeman spoke on "Buying or Selling an Oilheat Business: Through a Legal Lens." He discussed the importance of knowing the legal considerations in transactions, positioning a business for sale, minimizing risk exposure, and facilitating the deal. Ms. Cole-Johnson spoke on "Creating a Comprehensive Employee Handbook." Her presentation, based on work done by Robinson+Cole on behalf of the Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association, provided a comprehensive review of elements that should be included in any employee handbook. She emphasized how a well-drafted employee handbook can protect employers, reduce the risk of liability, and increase employee morale.

      • May 26, 2017

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Host Loomis Chaffee Students as Part of Alumni Shadow Day

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Host Loomis Chaffee Students as Part of Alumni Shadow Day

          Robinson+Cole lawyers Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, Peter R. Knight, and Kathryn N. Mullin arranged to host two seniors from the Loomis Chaffee School, a co-ed independent boarding school in Windsor, CT, at the Hartford office on Thursday, May 18, 2017 as part of Alumni Shadow Day. All three lawyers are alumni of Loomis Chaffee and Ms. Cole-Johnson currently serves as a member of the school’s Head's Council. The students met with lawyers and staff representatives from the human resources, office administration, library, billing, accounting, information technology, and business development & marketing departments to get a better understanding of what it’s like to work at a law firm. In addition, the students were accompanied by Ms. Mullin on a visit to the chambers of Judge Alfred V. Covello, Senior U.S. District Judge for the District of Connecticut, and attend a sentencing hearing. Click here to view a photo.

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      • May 12, 2017

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Serves as Faculty Member of AWI Training Institute

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Serves as Faculty Member of AWI Training Institute

          Labor and Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson served as a faculty member at the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) Training Institute for Workplace Investigators from May 1 to May 5, 2017, in Baltimore, Maryland. Considered the gold standard among professionals in the industry, the Institute consists of intensive training on the core knowledge and skills required to conduct impartial workplace investigations. The 44 students, all internal and external impartial workplace investigators from twelve U.S. states, Canada, and New Zealand, participated in four days of training and a day of testing. Those who passed the tests received an AWI Institute Certificate. Ms. Cole-Johnson has previously taught the AWI Workplace Basics Seminar and was featured as a speaker at AWI's annual conference in 2015 and 2016.

      • April 14, 2017

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Presents Webinar on ADA and Workplace Accommodations

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Presents Webinar on ADA and Workplace Accommodations

          Labor and Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson was the featured speaker for the Clear Law Institute webinar "The ADA and Workplace Accommodations," presented on April 4, 2017. Ms. Cole-Johnson examined ways to manage accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), improve ADA compliance efforts, and avoid legal pitfalls. In particular, she discussed how to comply with the interactive process mandate, employee rights under the ADA, how to initiate and implement the interactive process, what is considered a reasonable accommodation, and recent case law and lessons learned.

      • March 22, 2017

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Present at World of Higher Education Conference

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Present at World of Higher Education Conference

          Construction Group lawyer Gregory R. Faulkner and Labor and Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson were panelists at The World of Higher Education Conference, sponsored by the UK-based law firm Mills & Reeve, at the British Library in London on March 16, 2017. Offering views from a U.S. standpoint, Mr. Faulkner spoke about the funding and delivery of construction projects at higher education institutions in the U.S. in the session "International Perspectives on Real Estate," and Ms. Cole-Johnson spoke about strategic workforce planning for U.S. market entry initiatives for UK-based higher education institutions in the session "Perspectives from the U.S." Click here to view photos from the event.

      • November 29, 2016

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Appointed to Loomis Chaffee Head's Council

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Appointed to Loomis Chaffee Head's Council

          Labor and Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson has accepted an invitation to serve as a member of the Head's Council at Loomis Chaffee, her alma mater. The Head's Council is a select group of alumni and parents tasked with providing valuable input and advice on critical issues of concern for Loomis Chaffee. She will serve a two-year term. Loomis Chaffee is a renowned independent, co-educational college preparatory boarding and day school for grades 9 through 12 located in Windsor, Connecticut.

      • November 11, 2016

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Presents at AWI Annual Conference

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Presents at AWI Annual Conference

          Labor and Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson presented the program "Fear Not! No Secret Handshake Here: Handling Non-EEO Investigations" at the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) 2016 Annual Conference in San Francisco, California, on November 4, 2016 to an audience of more than 215 workplace investigators from 17 U.S. states, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. She and her co-presenter, Keith Rohman of Public Interest Investigations, offered guidance to assist workplace investigators in evaluating whether they can manage a particular non-EEO investigation, discussed the initial steps in a non-EEO workplace investigation, and provided tips to analyze the skills investigators may already have and the skills they may need to conduct a non-EEO investigation. AWI's membership includes lawyers, human resource professionals, and private investigators who conduct, manage, or have a professional interest in workplace investigations.

      • October 20, 2016

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Present at AICUM Fall Symposium 2016

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Present at AICUM Fall Symposium 2016

          Labor and Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson and Business Litigation Group lawyer Kathleen E. Dion presented at the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM) Fall Symposium on October 14, 2016, at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. The session, "Scandal on Campus and the Modern Day Investigation: Harassment, Sexting, and Avoiding the 'Rabbit Hole,'" covered what today's workplace scandal looks like, the impact of technology on investigations, how to determine when an employer must investigate a complaint, and how to craft a witness interview strategy and investigation scope. Click here for the PowerPoint. AICUM provides a public voice on key policy matters that concern private independent colleges and universities in Massachusetts. 

      • June 6, 2016

        Robinson+Cole Sponsors George W. Crawford Black Bar Association's 2016 Annual Dinner

      • October 29, 2015

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Presents on HR Troubleshooting at NBI Seminar

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Presents on HR Troubleshooting at NBI Seminar

          On November 4, 2015, at the National Business Institute's (NBI) seminar entitled "Troubleshooting HR Legal Nightmares," Robinson+Cole lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson presented three workshops: "Leave Law Non-Compliance," "Handbook Errors That Cause Legal Difficulties," and "Employment Practices That Lead to Discrimination Claims." She discussed how employers can confidently navigate the intersection of FMLA, ADA, and workers' compensation leaves and how they can review employee handbooks for errors that have the potential to cause significant legal headaches. She also provided the latest legal updates regarding gender discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, and more, with a focus on offering strategies for HR professionals to prevent seemingly innocent employment practices from becoming complex legal nightmares. 

          Ms. Cole-Johnson is a member of the firm's Labor and Employment Group, focusing her practice in the area of private sector employment law.

      • October 19, 2015

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Presents at AWI Annual Conference

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Presents at AWI Annual Conference

          Robinson+Cole lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson co-presented at the Association of Workplace Investigators' (AWI) Annual Conference, held in Los Angeles, on October 23, 2015. In the session "Minimizing Legal Risk in Internal Employee Investigations," Ms. Cole-Johnson, along with Judy S. Kalisker, principal at Compliance Plus, discussed why it is important for internal investigators to consider the legal aspects that affect the investigative process and outcomes. Specifically, they focused on what is covered by the attorney-client privilege; how to recognize and address employment law issues that arise during an investigation, for example, retaliation, the FMLA, and the ADA; and when employees must have a co-worker or third party present during an interview, and options when this is not required.

          AWI is a professional membership association for attorneys, human resource professionals, private investigators, and many others who conduct, manage, or have a professional interest in workplace investigations. Approximately 200 professionals from across the United States and Canada are scheduled to attend the Annual Conference.

          Ms. Cole-Johnson is a member of the firm's Labor and Employment Group, focusing her practice in the area of private sector employment law.

      • July 7, 2015

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Presents to SHRM Western CT Chapter

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Presents to SHRM Western CT Chapter

          Labor and employment lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson presented the session "The Workplace Scandal and Modern-Day Investigations: Harassment, Sexting, and Avoiding The 'Rabbit Hole'" to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Western CT on June 16, 2015, in Danbury, Connecticut. Ms. Cole-Johnson discussed internal employee investigations. The topics ranged from a review of what today's workplace scandal looks like and the impact of technology on investigations to determining when an employer must investigate a complaint and crafting a witness interview strategy and investigation scope.

          To find out more, click here to view the session's agenda and learning objectives.

      • March 11, 2015

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Moderate and Coordinate CBA Event on Legal Considerations of Social Media

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Moderate and Coordinate CBA Event on Legal Considerations of Social Media

          A Robinson+Cole Labor and employment lawyer organized the presentation "The Perils of Vine, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter: Legal Considerations of Social Media," sponsored by the CBA's Young Lawyers Section and held on February 26, 2015, at the Quinnipiac Club in New Haven. This event, which drew many attendees throughout the legal community and beyond, featured labor and employment lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson as the moderator. The panelists, David Lat, founder and managing editor of the popular legal blog Above the Law; Daniel A. Schwartz, founder of the Connecticut Employment Law Blog; and Lauri Stevens, founder of LAwS Communications, a media consultancy for law enforcement, provided their insights on issues relating to cutting-edge social media in a variety of areas affecting the legal landscape, including the employment and law enforcement arenas. The presentation focused on the unique legal challenges of new social media applications; how human resources, legal professionals, and police departments can use social media content in their investigations and in litigation; and how lawyers have faced legal trouble due to their social media activity.

      • November 18, 2014

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Honored as “New Leaders in the Law” at Celebration Dinner

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Honored as “New Leaders in the Law” at Celebration Dinner

          Robinson+Cole lawyers Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Sorell E. Negro, Brian D. Nichols, and Keisha S. Palmer were among 60 attorneys, all under age 40, recognized as "New Leaders in the Law" at an awards dinner on November 6, 2014, at The Bond Ballroom in downtown Hartford. American Bar Association President James R. Silkenat was the honorary guest speaker. The Connecticut Law Tribune presented the awards and previously recognized the lawyers in its 2014 New Leaders in the Law Yearbook. Honorees were selected based on examples of their legal work, pro bono efforts, and community involvement. Robinson+Cole lawyers Lisa M. Boyle, Candice M. Cunningham, Andrew L. Kramer, and David M. Panico attended the event. To view a photo from the event, click here.

      • May 16, 2014

        Robinson+Cole Sponsors Crawford 2014 Annual Dinner

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          Robinson+Cole Sponsors Crawford 2014 Annual Dinner

          Robinson+Cole was a sponsor of the George W. Crawford Black Bar Association's 2014 Annual Dinner on May 1, 2014. Firm lawyers Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Joey Lee Miranda, Keisha S. Palmer, David M. Panico, Jonathan H. Schaefer, and Evan J. Seeman attended the event, along with Marnie Rubin and incoming first-year associates Christie Jean and Kelly Frye. The George W. Crawford Black Bar Association works to enhance the role of black attorneys in the state, to establish lines of communication and affiliate with local and national organizations within the legal profession, and to focus on legal issues that affect members of the black community.

      • April 28, 2014

        Hartford Lawyer Co-chairs YWCA 'In the Company of Women' Event

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          Hartford Lawyer Co-chairs YWCA 'In the Company of Women' Event

          Over 1,400 members of the Greater Hartford community gathered for YWCA Hartford Region's 19th annual In the Company of Women Luncheon at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford on April 8, 2014, to support YWCA's mission to eliminate racism and empower women. Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, labor and employment lawyer, and Julie A. Trowbridge-Dillman, senior vice president of Operations & E-Business, The Travelers Companies, Inc., served as event co-chairs. Along with Ms. Cole-Johnson, R+C lawyers Alice E. DeTora, Edward J. Samorajczyk, Virginia E. McGarrity, and Susan N. Masters attended the event. Camryn Manheim, an acclaimed actress and social activist known for her Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning role on The Practice as defense attorney Ellenor Frutt, was the keynote speaker. A vocal advocate for human rights and the empowerment of women, Ms. Manheim spoke about living life generously and her experience defying the beauty myth and casting stereotypes in Hollywood.

          R+C is a proud sponsor of YWCA's In the Company of Women Luncheon. Proceeds from the luncheon will help fund YWCA programs and services that improve lives of women and children in the Greater Hartford region, including child care, supportive and transitional housing, teen leadership development, racial justice awareness, economic empowerment, and financial literacy.

      • June 10, 2013

        Robinson & Cole Lawyer Featured in HRACC Newsletter

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          Robinson & Cole Lawyer Featured in HRACC Newsletter

          Labor and employment lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson was featured in the May 2013 newsletter HR Communicator, a publication of the Human Resource Association of Central Connecticut (HRACC). Ms. Cole-Johnson, who was presented with a Volunteer of the Year Award from the Pro Bono Partnership on May 13 in New York City, was recognized in the article for her commitment to human resource (HR) issues and pro bono service. To view the article, click here.

          The HRACC is an affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Chartered in 1980, HRACC serves all of Greater Hartford and the broader central Connecticut area. Its mission is to serve the needs of HR professionals and to advance the interests of the HR profession by offering professional development, networking, and resources and solutions for varying HR issues. For more information about the HRACC, please click here to visit its website.

      • May 28, 2013

        Robinson+Cole Sponsors Crawford Annual Dinner

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          Robinson+Cole Sponsors Crawford Annual Dinner

          Robinson+Cole was a sponsor of the George W. Crawford Black Law Association ("Crawford") Annual Dinner on April 25, 2013. Firm lawyers John B. Lynch Jr., John H. Kane, David M. Panico, Keisha S. Palmer, Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Virginia E. McGarrity, and Nicolas F. Perry attended the event, along with Richard Martinez and Marnie Rubin. Crawford works to enhance the role of black attorneys in the state, to establish lines of communication and affiliate with local and national organizations within the legal profession, and to focus on legal issues that affect members of the black community.

          Ms. Palmer currently serves on Crawford's Board of Directors.

      • June 22, 2012

        Associates Support Greater Hartford Arts Council Fundraiser

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          Associates Support Greater Hartford Arts Council Fundraiser

          Labor and employment associate Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson and public finance associate Keisha S. Palmer attended Max’s Farm to Table fundraiser at Max Downtown restaurant to benefit the Greater Hartford Arts Council on June 3, 2012. Governor Dannell P. Malloy and Hartford Mayor Pedro E. Segarra also attended.

          Ms. Cole-Johnson and Ms. Palmer have served as grant panelists for the Greater Harford Arts Council. They review grant applications and recommend which organizations should receive grants.

          The Greater Hartford Arts Council is a catalyst for the promotion, fundraising and coordination of arts and heritage programs in the Hartford region.
      • May 10, 2012

        Robinson & Cole Stands Against Racism

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          Robinson & Cole Stands Against Racism

          Robinson & Cole’s Diversity Committee held events in each of its offices to participate in the YWCA’s Stand Against Racism initiative along with over 2,000 YWCA associations, companies, universities, hospitals, schools, governments, and other groups on April 27, 2012. Labor and employment associate Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, who serves on the YWCA Hartford Region’s board of directors, and public finance associate Keisha S. Palmer organized the firm’s events.

          Adam Johnson, principal at the Law and Government Academy at Hartford High School, and several of his students attended the forum. Mr. Johnson spoke about the Academy’s efforts, and those of Hartford public schools, to bridge the achievement gap in Hartford and the role race, poverty, oppression, and intolerance play in creating the achievement gap. The event also included a pledge to stand against oppression and intolerance and to celebrate the richness of human diversity. Robinson & Cole made a donation to the Law and Government Academy in support of the school’s efforts to bridge the achievement gap in Hartford.
      • November 2, 2011

        Robinson & Cole Lawyers Participating in Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity Mentoring Program

      • October 27, 2011

        Attorney to Serve Again as Grant Panelist for Arts Council

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          Attorney to Serve Again as Grant Panelist for Arts Council

          The Greater Harford Arts Council has appointed labor and employment attorney Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson to its general operating support grant panel for the second consecutive year. The general operating support grant program is the council’s largest grant program and provides greater Hartford’s top arts organizations with critical unrestricted funding. Ms. Cole-Johnson will review grant applications and make recommendations regarding which organizations should receive grants. The council promotes, funds, and coordinates arts and heritage programs that help celebrate diverse cultures and enrich the economy of Connecticut’s capital region.
      • September 30, 2011

        Connecticut Law Tribune Recognizes Four Robinson & Cole Attorneys

      • June 13, 2011

        Labor and Employment Attorney Serves as Panelist at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving’s Scholarship Reception

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          Labor and Employment Attorney Serves as Panelist at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving’s Scholarship Reception

          Labor and employment attorney Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson served as a panelist at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving's Scholarship Reception on June 9, 2011, at Saint Joseph College. Ms. Cole-Johnson is a past scholarship recipient and a member of the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. The Foundation provided nearly $1.2 million in scholarship funds for higher education to more than 630 students in the 29-town Greater Hartford region in 2010. Ray Hardman, host of WNPR's Morning Edition and director of Public Affairs for Connecticut Public Television, moderated the panel. Ms. Cole-Johnson shared her college experience, explained how her Foundation scholarship benefited her, and offered advice to the scholarship recipients.
      • June 3, 2011

        Labor and Employment Attorneys Discuss Legal Considerations of Telework Arrangements

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          Labor and Employment Attorneys Discuss Legal Considerations of Telework Arrangements

          Employment and health care attorney Stephen W. Aronson and labor and employment attorney Jean E. Tomasco presented the Webinar “Managing a Mobile Workforce: Complying with Wage and Hour Laws and Protecting Company Interests” on May 25, 2011. In the Webinar, they provided an overview of key considerations for employers managing teleworkers, including how to navigate potential issues while protecting company business objectives. Topics included how to properly record and compensate telecommuting employees for hours worked, how to safeguard company property when it is “off-site” in an employee’s home, and the importance of developing a sound Fair Labor Standards Act-compliant telecommuting policy and drafting teleworker agreements. Attorney Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson moderated the Webinar.
      • April 26, 2011

        Robinson & Cole Attorneys Support YWCA’s Largest Annual Fundraiser

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          Robinson & Cole Attorneys Support YWCA’s Largest Annual Fundraiser

          Robinson & Cole was a bronze sponsor for the YWCA Hartford Region’s 16th annual “In the Company of Women Luncheon” on April 6, 2011, at the Connecticut Convention Center.

          The “In the Company of Women Luncheon” is the YWCA's most important annual fundraising event, which brings together nearly 1,500 diverse and successful women from the Greater Hartford area. Proceeds help fund the YWCA's many programs and services that benefit the lives of women and children in the Hartford region.

          Labor and employment associate Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, who serves on the YWCA board of directors, captained Robinson & Cole’s full VIP table at the luncheon. The following attorneys represented the firm: Bruce B. Barth, Nicole A. Bernabo, Taylor A. Denis, Megan R. Naughton, Travis R. Searles, Jeanmarie B. Shea, Elizabeth Slater Massey, Virginia Spiess McGarrity and Jean E. Tomasco.

          Ms. Woodruff, wife of ABC News reporter Bob Woodruff, presented “One Woman's Journey.” She garnered critical acclaim for In an Instant, the compelling and humorous book about her family’s journey to recovery following her husband’s injuries sustained in a roadside bombing in Iraq.

      • April 11, 2011

        Labor and Employment Attorneys Address Social Media in the Workplace

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          Labor and Employment Attorneys Address Social Media in the Workplace

          Labor and employment attorneys Alice E. DeTora, Nicole A. Bernabo, and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson hosted the webinar “Social Media in the Workplace - What to Consider to Protect Your Company” on March 30, 2011. The webinar addressed the need for companies using social media to monitor the rapidly developing legal issues surrounding it to protect themselves from potential risks and liability and to craft tailored social networking policies appropriate for their business. The webinar also reviewed examples of appropriate responses to violations of social media policies or work rules related to computer use.
      • February 14, 2011

        Labor and Employment Associate Shares the Ins and Outs of a Legal Career with High School Students

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          Labor and Employment Associate Shares the Ins and Outs of a Legal Career with High School Students

          On February 9, 2011, labor and employment associate Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson was a panelist at a career workshop organized by Career Beginnings, a joint program of the Metro Hartford Alliance and the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education. The workshop was attended by 85 high school seniors and mentors from nine Hartford area public schools. The event at the University of Connecticut offered the seniors a sampling of the career paths available to them with a college degree. Ms. Cole-Johnson shared her motivation for pursuing a legal career, advice about career options in the legal field, and a few tips for professional success in a legal career.

          Founded in 1986, Career Beginnings’ mission is to increase the percentage of Hartford-area students who complete high school and go on to college and fulfilling careers. Career Beginnings provides students with workshops on careers and the college admission process, as well as one-on-one advising from program staff and mentors and other special events.

      • January 31, 2011

        YWCA of Hartford Region Elects Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson to Board

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          YWCA of Hartford Region Elects Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson to Board

          Labor and employment attorney Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson was elected to the Board of Directors of the YWCA Hartford Region for a two-year term at its annual meeting on January 25, 2011. As a board member, Ms. Cole-Johnson will help further the mission of the YWCA Hartford Region to empower women and girls and eliminate racism. YWCA Hartford Region is part of the world’s largest and oldest multiracial women’s movement and is the third oldest affiliate of the YWCA USA.
      • December 10, 2010

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson to Represent Firm on Advisory Committee for Diversity

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson to Represent Firm on Advisory Committee for Diversity

          Labor and employment associate Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson will represent Robinson & Cole on the Associates' Advisory Committee of the Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity. The Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity is a Connecticut nonprofit corporation comprised of the state’s largest law firms and corporations, public sector entities, law schools, and state bar associations. The member organizations unite their resources, energy and commitment to make Connecticut a more attractive place for lawyers of color and women to practice law and find satisfying professional opportunities. As a member of the Associates' Advisory Committee, Ms. Cole-Johnson will help support its programs and initiatives as an ambassador for the firm.
      • October 15, 2010

        Attorney to Serve as Grant Panelist for Greater Hartford Arts Council

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          Attorney to Serve as Grant Panelist for Greater Hartford Arts Council

          The Greater Harford Arts Council has named Labor and Employment attorney Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson to its general operating support grant panel. General operating support is the Arts Council’s largest grant program, providing Greater Hartford’s top arts organizations with critical unrestricted funding. Each year, the panel reviews grant applications and makes recommendations regarding which organizations should receive grants. The Arts Council promotes, funds, and coordinates arts and heritage programs that help celebrate diverse cultures and enrich the economy of Connecticut’s capital region.
      • April 26, 2010

        Attorneys Represent Robinson & Cole at George W. Crawford Black Bar Association Annual Dinner

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          Attorneys Represent Robinson & Cole at George W. Crawford Black Bar Association Annual Dinner

          The firm was a silver sponsor for the annual dinner and award program for the Crawford Black Bar Association on April 23, 2010. The event honored Laurie Nicole Robinson, vice president and assistant general counsel of CBS Corporation, with the first annual Trailblazer Award and Pamela Trotman Reid, Ph.D., president of Saint Joseph College, with the first annual Visionary Award. Representing Robinson & Cole at the black tie event were Crawford Bar Association board member Tyisha Hovanec, Joey Lee Miranda, George C. Springer Jr., George W. Watson III, Scott Sebastian, Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Keisha Palmer, Anne Elvgren, and Keane Aures.

      R+C News Releases

      • August 17, 2023

        78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2024

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          78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2024

          78 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2024. Of the 78 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 57 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state. Robinson+Cole also has the highest number of listed lawyers in Connecticut in the areas of environmental law and insurance law. Approximately, the top 5 percent of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 30th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

          Additionally, five lawyers were named Best Lawyers® 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” in the following offices, in the noted practice areas:

          Hartford, CT – Best Lawyers® 2024 “Lawyer of the Year”

          Jacqueline Pennino Scheib – Trademark Law

          Michael R. Enright – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

          Theodore J. Tucci – Insurance Law

          Boston, MA – Best Lawyers® 2024 “Lawyer of the Year”

          Michael S. Giaimo – Land Use and Zoning Law

          Stamford, CT – Best Lawyers® 2024 “Lawyer of the Year”

          Patricia D. Weitzman – Health Care Law and Litigation-Health Care

          A Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” designation is awarded to one lawyer in each of various high-profile specialties in large legal communities. These particular lawyers received the highest ratings among their peers for their abilities, professionalism, and integrity.

          The fourth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America was also released, which includes 23 Robinson+Cole lawyers. The “Ones to Watch” recognition is given to attorneys early in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. The firm has the highest number of lawyers to receive this designation in Hartford, Connecticut. Read more in the press release.

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      • June 1, 2023

        2023 Chambers USA Recognizes 22 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in Eight Practice Areas

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          2023 Chambers USA Recognizes 22 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in Eight Practice Areas

          In its 2023 edition, the legal directory Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized 22 Robinson+Cole lawyers, including one that has been recognized nationwide. In addition, the firm received rankings in eight practice area categories that the publication covers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Read more in the press release.

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      • May 24, 2023

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Named to Hartford Business Journal’s 2023 “Women in Business” Class

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Named to Hartford Business Journal’s 2023 “Women in Business” Class

          Managing Committee member and Labor and Employment Group partner Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson was selected by the Hartford Business Journal for inclusion in its 2023 “Women in Business” recognition. Cole-Johnson is among 25 honorees chosen for demonstrating business savvy, confidence in themselves and their organizations, and a strong track record of professional leadership. The awardees were each profiled in a special section included in the April 3, 2023, edition of the Hartford Business Journal and were recognized during the publication’s annual event on May 4. 

          “Britt-Marie’s talents as a legal advisor and her exceptional leadership skills, paired with her deep commitment to community involvement, exemplify the ‘Women in Business recognition,” said Rhonda J. Tobin, Robinson+Cole Managing Partner and Hartford Business Journal 2020 "Women in Business" Honoree. Read more in the press release.

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      • October 11, 2022

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2022 Super Lawyers®

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2022 Super Lawyers®

          A total of 39 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named to Super Lawyers® lists in the States of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island for 2022. In addition, 30 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.”

          Jeffrey J. White was named to the Top 50: 2022 Connecticut Super Lawyers list. Linda L. Morkan appears on the Top 25: 2022 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list and, similarly, Natalie D. Ramsey was included in the Top 50: 2022 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list. Read more in the press release.

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      • June 1, 2022

        2022 Chambers USA Recognizes 19 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in 10 Practice Areas

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          2022 Chambers USA Recognizes 19 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in 10 Practice Areas

          In its 2022 edition, the legal directory Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized 19 Robinson+Cole lawyers, including one that has been recognized nationwide. In addition, the firm received rankings in seven practice area categories that the publication covers in Connecticut. Read more in the press release.

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      • April 13, 2022

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Achieves Significant Leadership Roles and Recognitions

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Achieves Significant Leadership Roles and Recognitions

          Labor and Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson has been elected by the firm’s partners to serve on its Managing Committee. Cole-Johnson was also recently appointed by Governor Ned Lamont to serve on the board of the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority and elected to the UConn Health Board of Directors. In addition, Cole-Johnson has recently been chosen as one of the honorees for The 100 Women of Color Gala & Awards and selected by the Connecticut Law Tribune for recognition as a Distinguished Leader during the annual Connecticut Legal Awards. The publication recently interviewed Britt-Marie for a feature article on her recent accolades. Law360 also issued a write-up highlighting Britt-Marie's election to the Managing Committee. 

          “Britt-Marie is a highly -respected lawyer in the firm and among her peers in the legal community,” said Rhonda J. Tobin, Robinson+Cole’s Managing Partner. “She is well-known for her talents as a legal advisor but also for her deep commitment to community organizations. She joined the firm thirteen years ago after law school and has been a true and constant champion for equitable and inclusive business practices within the firm, with her clients, and within the community. I look forward to her bringing that leadership and perspective to our Managing Committee.” Read more in the press release.

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      • October 14, 2021

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

          A total of 42 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named to Super Lawyers® lists in the States of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island for 2021. In addition, 29 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.”

          Bruce B. Barth and Jeffrey J. White were named to the Top 50: 2021 Connecticut Super Lawyers list. Linda L. Morkan appears on the Top 25: 2021 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list and, similarly, Natalie D. Ramsey was included in the Top 50: 2021 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list. Read more in the press release.

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      • May 24, 2021

        Chambers USA Recognizes 19 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in 10 Practice Areas

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          Chambers USA Recognizes 19 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in 10 Practice Areas

          In its 2021 edition, the legal directory Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized 19 Robinson+Cole lawyers, including one that has been recognized nationwide. In addition, the firm received rankings in seven practice area categories that the publication covers in Connecticut. Read more in the press release.

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      • October 15, 2020

        47 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in Super Lawyers®

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          47 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in Super Lawyers®

          A total of 47 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named to Super Lawyers® lists in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island for 2020. In addition, 29 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.”

          Also, Bruce B. Barth was named to the Top 50: 2020 Connecticut Super Lawyers list and Linda L. Morkan appears on the Top 25: 2020 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list.

          The Super Lawyers designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas. An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here. Read more in the press release.

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      • April 23, 2020

        Chambers USA Recognizes 20 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in 11 Practice Areas in CT, PA, and RI and Nationwide

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          Chambers USA Recognizes 20 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in 11 Practice Areas in CT, PA, and RI and Nationwide

          In its 2020 edition, the legal directory Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized Robinson+Cole in all six practice area categories that the publication covers in Connecticut. In addition, 20 lawyers were individually ranked from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, including one that has been recognized nationwide. Read more in the press release.

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      • December 17, 2019

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Elected to Board of YWCA Hartford Region

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Elected to Board of YWCA Hartford Region

          Labor, Employment, Benefits + Immigration Group lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson has been elected to YWCA Hartford Region's Board of Directors for a two-year term beginning January 2020. Britt-Marie has been actively involved with YWCA Hartford Region for more than nine years and previously served as chair of its Board of Directors from 2015 to 2016. She also held a number of leadership positions during her prior board terms, including chair of the Governance Committee, chair of the Nominating Committee, and event co-chair of the 19th Annual “In the Company of Women” Luncheon. Read more in the press release and in the Connecticut Law Tribune.

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      • July 24, 2019

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Selected as a Nation’s Best Honoree by Lawyers of Color

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Selected as a Nation’s Best Honoree by Lawyers of Color

          Labor, Employment, Benefits + Immigration Group lawyer Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, has been selected for inclusion among the Lawyers of Color’s inaugural Nation’s Best in the Eastern Region. Honorees were selected for their prominence and distinction in their field, their noteworthy accomplishments, and their commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Read more in the press release.

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      • October 8, 2018

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Named to Hartford Business Journal’s “40 Under Forty”

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Named to Hartford Business Journal’s “40 Under Forty”

          The Hartford Business Journal recognized Labor + Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson as a “40 Under Forty” winner during the publication’s annual event on September 27, 2018 at the Hartford Marriott Downtown. The distinction recognizes 40 outstanding young professionals in the Greater Hartford area that are excelling in their industries through their leadership roles. Read more in the press release.

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      • January 17, 2018

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Appointed to Association of Workplace Investigators Board of Directors

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Appointed to Association of Workplace Investigators Board of Directors

          The Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI), a professional membership association for attorneys, human resource professionals, private investigators, and many others who conduct, manage, or have a professional interest in workplace investigations, has appointed Labor and Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson to its Board of Directors. With over 600 members in 35 US states and territories, Canada, Australia, and other countries, AWI's mission is to promote and enhance the quality of impartial workplace investigations. Ms. Cole-Johnson is a frequent speaker and faculty member for AWI's training and education programs about conducting impartial workplace investigations. Read more in the press release.

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      • November 10, 2017

        Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Appointed to Teach for America - Connecticut Advisory Board

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          Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Appointed to Teach for America - Connecticut Advisory Board

          Teach for America - Connecticut, part of a national corps of leaders committed to teaching in low-income schools and confronting educational inequity, has appointed Labor and Employment Group lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson to its Advisory Board. Ms. Cole-Johnson was a member of the 2004 Teach for America corps and worked as a teacher in Atlanta, Georgia, prior to attending law school. Read more in the press release.

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      • October 17, 2017

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

          A total of 56 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island for 2017. The Super Lawyers® designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas.

          In addition, 29 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.” An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here.

          See the list of included lawyers in the news release.

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      • May 26, 2017

        Chambers USA Recognizes Robinson+Cole Lawyers and Practice Groups

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          Chambers USA Recognizes Robinson+Cole Lawyers and Practice Groups

          The legal directory Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized the law firm of Robinson+Cole in six practice area categories in its 2017 edition and has individually recognized 18 of the firm’s lawyers, including one lawyer who received nationwide recognition.  
          Robinson+Cole earned rankings in each of the practice areas that Chambers USA covers in Connecticut: Corporate/M&A, Environment, Healthcare, Labor & Employment, Litigation: General Commercial, and Real Estate.
          See the full press release for the list of Robinson+Cole lawyers included in Chambers USA 2017.

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      • October 18, 2016

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

          A total of 51 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island for 2016. The Super Lawyers® designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas.

          In addition, 23 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.” An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here.

          See the list of included lawyers in the news release.

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      • October 3, 2016

        Eric Daniels and Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Appointed to Newly Formed Board of Ambassadors

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          Eric Daniels and Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson Appointed to Newly Formed Board of Ambassadors

          The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving (the "Foundation") has selected Robinson+Cole lawyers Eric Daniels and Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson to join its newly formed Board of Ambassadors. Mr. Daniels and Ms. Cole-Johnson were personally chosen by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and Board Development Committee because of their “experience and interest in the Greater Hartford community.”

          Read more in the news release.

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      • September 13, 2016

        Robinson+Cole Presents Annual Awards for Dedication and Outstanding Contributions

      • June 8, 2016

        Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson Elected to Connecticut Bar Foundation’s James W. Cooper Fellows Program

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          Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson Elected to Connecticut Bar Foundation’s James W. Cooper Fellows Program

          The Connecticut Bar Foundation has elected Robinson+Cole partner Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson as a 2016 James W. Cooper Fellow. Ms. Cole-Johnson was honored at a reception at the New Haven Law Club on May 3, 2016, along with the other newly elected Fellows. The Connecticut Bar Foundation James W. Cooper Fellows Program was established to honor the leading members of the legal profession and the Judiciary in Connecticut, to promote a better understanding of the legal profession and the judicial system, and to explore ways to improve the profession and the administration of justice in Connecticut. Membership in the Fellows is by invitation only and is evidence of professional distinction. Forty-one Fellows were elected this year.

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      • May 27, 2016

        Chambers USA Recognizes Robinson+Cole Lawyers and Practice Groups

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          Chambers USA Recognizes Robinson+Cole Lawyers and Practice Groups

          The legal directory Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized Robinson+Cole in six practice area categories in its 2016 edition and has individually recognized 19 of the firm's lawyers, including one lawyer recognized nationwide.
          Robinson+Cole earned rankings in each of the practice areas that Chambers USA covers in Connecticut: Corporate/M&A, Environment, Healthcare, Labor & Employment, Litigation: General Commercial, and Real Estate.
          See the full press release for the list of Robinson+Cole lawyers included in Chambers USA 2016.
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      • April 19, 2016

        Robinson+Cole Lawyer Appointed to U.S. District Court Federal Grievance Committee

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyer Appointed to U.S. District Court Federal Grievance Committee

          Robinson+Cole labor and employment partner Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson has been appointed to the Federal Grievance Committee of the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut. She will serve a three-year term through December 31, 2018. The Federal Grievance Committee reviews complaints alleging attorney misconduct relating to matters relevant to an attorney's qualifications to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut.

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      • December 28, 2015

        Robinson+Cole Elects New Partners and Counsel

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          Robinson+Cole Elects New Partners and Counsel

          Robinson+Cole is pleased to announce the election of four new partners and the promotion of two associates to counsel, effective January 1, 2016. The new partners are Adam Anderson, Megan E. Baroni, Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, and April F. Condon. The new counsel are Alaine C. Doolan and Michele L. Maresca.
          "These six lawyers have made significant contributions to our clients and to our firm's successes and it is a pleasure to congratulate them on their well-deserved promotions," said John B. Lynch Jr., managing partner. "They provide exceptional service and value to our clients and offer a deep knowledge in their respective legal fields."

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      • October 19, 2015

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

          A total of 54 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island for 2015. The Super Lawyers designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas.
          In addition, 21 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.” Read an explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology here. See the list of included lawyers in the news release.

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      • May 19, 2015

        Robinson+Cole Earns Six Practice Area Rankings in Chambers USA 2015

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          Robinson+Cole Earns Six Practice Area Rankings in Chambers USA 2015

          The legal directory Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized Robinson+Cole in six practice area categories in its 2015 edition and has individually recognized 19 of the firm's lawyers, including one lawyer recognized nationwide.

          Robinson+Cole earned rankings in each of the practice areas that Chambers USA covers in Connecticut: Corporate/M&A, Environment, Healthcare, Labor &Employment, Litigation: General Commercial, and Real Estate.

          See the Robinson+Cole lawyers included in Chambers USA 2015 in the full news release.

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      • March 10, 2015

        Robinson+Cole Lawyer to Chair the YWCA Hartford Region’s Board of Directors

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyer to Chair the YWCA Hartford Region’s Board of Directors

          Robinson+Cole lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson was nominated and has accepted to serve as the chair of the YWCA Hartford Region's Board of Directors for 2015-2016. Her appointment was announced at the YWCA Annual Meeting in February. Ms. Cole-Johnson has been a member of the YWCA Board of Directors since 2011 and has held various leadership positions, including chair of the Governance Committee, chair of the Nominating Committee, and event co-chair of the 19th Annual In the Company of Women Luncheon, and has served as a member of the Executive Committee. Read more in the news release.
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      • October 17, 2014

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers

          A total of 54 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York for 2014.The Super Lawyers® designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas.

          In addition, 21 attorneys at the firm were recognized as "Rising Stars." Read an explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology here.

          To see the recognized attorneys and their areas of practice, click here.

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      • October 2, 2014

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Named “New Leaders in the Law”

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Named “New Leaders in the Law”

          The Connecticut Law Tribune has recognized Robinson+Cole lawyers Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Sorell E. Negro, Brian D. Nichols, and Keisha S. Palmer as New Leaders in the Law. They are among 60 attorneys, all under age 40, recognized in the New Leaders in the Law 2014 Yearbook and will be honored at an awards dinner on November 6 at The Bond Ballroom in downtown Hartford. The Connecticut Law Tribune received more than 300 award nominations, and honorees were selected based on examples of their legal work, pro bono efforts, and community involvement. Read more in the press release here.

           

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      • September 4, 2014

        Robinson+Cole Announces Annual Community Service and Pro Bono Awards

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          Robinson+Cole Announces Annual Community Service and Pro Bono Awards

          Robinson+Cole recognized four lawyers for their initiative and outstanding dedication to the community at a reception, celebrating the firm’s summer legal intern program, on August 7, 2014. Managing partner John B. Lynch Jr. announced the Community Service Awards, which went to Thomas P. Cody and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, while pro bono partner Edward J. Heath presented the firm’s Pro Bono Awards, which went to Peter R. Knight and Evan J. Seeman. Read more about the honorees and their work in the press release here.

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      • June 17, 2014

        Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson Named One of CWEALF’s 40 Women for the Next 40 Years

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          Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson Named One of CWEALF’s 40 Women for the Next 40 Years

          In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the Connecticut Women's Education and Legal Fund honored 40 women who will build opportunities for other women in Connecticut in the future as part of its special project "40 Women for the Next 40 Years." Robinson+Cole's Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson was among the women selected for this honor.

          Honorees range in ages from 16 to 40 and have demonstrated exemplary leadership, the potential to excel, and a commitment to their community. CWEALF is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women, girls, and their families to achieve equal opportunities in their personal and professional lives. Read more in the press release here.

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      • May 29, 2014

        Robinson+Cole Earns Rankings in Chambers USA 2014 in all Connecticut Practice Areas

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          Robinson+Cole Earns Rankings in Chambers USA 2014 in all Connecticut Practice Areas

          The legal directory Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized Robinson+Cole in six practice area categories in its 2014 edition and has individually recognized 21 of the firm's lawyers, including three labor and employment lawyers who are ranked for the first time, one as an "Associate to Watch."  

          Adding the Labor & Employment ranking this year gives Robinson+Cole rankings in all the practice areas that Chambers USA covers in Connecticut: Corporate/M&A, Environment, Healthcare, Labor & Employment, Litigation: General Commercial, and Real Estate.

           

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      • June 21, 2013

        Local Organizations Recognize Robinson & Cole’s Pro Bono Service

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          Local Organizations Recognize Robinson & Cole’s Pro Bono Service

          Robinson & Cole cultivates a culture of pro bono service among its lawyers through the leadership of Edward J. Heath, pro bono partner and chair of the firm's Pro Bono Committee, evident by recent honors numerous lawyers have received. Mr. Heath received the Connecticut Law Tribune's Pro Bono award, Alaine C. Doolan received the Connecticut Bar Association's Honorable Anthony V. DeMayo Pro Bono Award, and 33 lawyers made the CBA's 2012 Pro Bono Honor Roll.

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      • April 3, 2013

        Robinson & Cole Lawyer Honored with 2012 Volunteer of the Year Award by Pro Bono Partnership

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          Robinson & Cole Lawyer Honored with 2012 Volunteer of the Year Award by Pro Bono Partnership

          Robinson & Cole lawyer Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson was recognized for her commitment to pro bono service and presented with a Volunteer of the Year Award from the Pro Bono Partnership at a private reception held March 13, 2013, in New York City. Ms. Cole-Johnson was chosen from a pool of almost 1,000 attorneys who provide free legal advice to the Pro Bono Partnership's nonprofit clients. Read the full press release here.
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      • May 7, 2012

        R&C Associates Spend Happy Hour with First Lady Cathy Malloy

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          R&C Associates Spend Happy Hour with First Lady Cathy Malloy

          Cathy Malloy, chief executive officer of the Greater Hartford Arts Council, poses in the 100 Peal Street Gallery with associates from Robinson & Cole LLP on April 11, 2012. The event was sponsored by Robinson & Cole's Associates Council, chaired by labor and employment attorney Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson.
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      • January 3, 2012

        Robinson & Cole Announces Mentor of the Year Award Recipients

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          Robinson & Cole Announces Mentor of the Year Award Recipients

          Each year Robinson & Cole's Mentor of the Year Award recognizes and honors associates, counsel, and partners throughout the firm for their outstanding guidance and encouragement of fellow attorneys in their pursuit of effective lawyering and professional growth. The nominees for this award, sponsored by the firm's Professional Development Committee, are selected through a firmwide voting process. Mentoring is vital to the success and development of attorneys. Effective mentors provide critical insight, support, and advice on substantive as well as cultural issues and their mentees integrate and connect to the firm.
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    • Legal Updates/Newsletters

      Legal Updates/Newsletters

      "Key Preparation for 2023: A Roundup of Critical New York State Labor and Employment Legislation from 2022" co-authored with Kayla N. West and Abby M. Warren (1/13/2023)

      "2022 Labor and Employment Tri-State Legislative Update: CT, MA, and RI" co-authored with Abby M. Warren, Sapna K. Jain and Kayla N. West (11/1/22)

      "The CROWN Act: What Connecticut Employers Need to Know" co-authored with Stephen W. Aronson, Kayla N. West and Abby M. Warren (3/9/2021)

      "Employers and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Getting it Right in 2021" co-authored with Rachel V. Kushel, Abby M. Warren and Kayla N. West (2/10/2021)

      "Running a Successful COVID-19 Testing Program: Considerations for Employers Using Third-Party Vendors" co-authored with Emily A. Zaklukiewicz, Conor O. Duffy, Alisha N. Sullivan and Abby M. Warren (1/7/2021)

      "Work from Anywhere? Telecommuting and Tax Obligations for Employers: Practical Considerations and Tips for Human Resources and Management" co-authored with Bruce B. Barth, Ryan V. Leichsenring, Alisha N. Sullivan, Abby M. Warren and Kayla N. West (12/18/2020)

      "CDC Develops Guidelines for a Happy Holiday Season: What Employers Need to Know" co-authored with Emily A. Zaklukiewicz, Jean E. Tomasco and Abby M. Warren (11/30/2020)

      "Amid Rising COVID-19 Hospitalizations: Reminder to Health Care Employers on FFCRA’s Exclusion for “Health Care Providers”" co-authored with Emily A. Zaklukiewicz and Abby M. Warren (10/19/2020)

      "New FMLA Model Notices and Forms Issued by the U.S. DOL Reflect Significant Changes" co-authored with Stephen W. Aronson, Emily A. Zaklukiewicz, Jean E. Tomasco and Abby M. Warren (9/18/2020)

      "Connecticut Executive Order Presumes Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation for Certain Employees Diagnosed with COVID-19" co-authored with Abby M. Warren, Matthew T. Miklave and Emily A. Zaklukiewicz (8/13/2020)

      "Time’s Up for Connecticut Companies: Employers Must Comply with Significantly Expanded Sexual Harassment Prevention Requirements" co-authored with Alexander Friedman and Abby M. Warren (10/1/2019)

      "Clarity Comes to Compensation Data Collection: EEOC Guidance and Notices Issued for EEO-1 Filers" co-authored with Abby M. Warren and Rachel V. Kushel (7/11/2019)

      "Major Shift in Connecticut’s Leave Landscape: What Employers Need to Know About the New Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave Law" co-authored with Rachel V. Kushel, Alexander Friedman and Abby M. Warren (July 2019)